I LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. I 



| [SMITHSONIAN DEPOSIT.] 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA f 



/ 




MEMOIR 



REV. JOSEPH \^ 

wwmuitu iit| 

LATE MISSIONn^^j|0|| *3 fO ' V 
UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE V ?t*** | 

WESTERN FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY, 

WHO DIED AT RICHMOND, VA., OCTOBER 28, 1832, WHEN 
ON THE EVE OF HIS EMBARKATION FOR 
WESTERN AFRICA. 



COMPILED BY E. P. SWIFT, 

Corresponding Secretary of the Society. 



* You have lost his life — lose not his death." 

Jay, as quoted ly the father of Mr. Barr, 



PITTSBURGH: |" 
PUBLISHED BY R. PATTERSON* 



D. AND M. MACLEAN, PRS. 

1833, 



[Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the yew 
1833, by E. P. Swift, in the Clerk's Office of the 
Western District of Pennsylvania.] 



As this work is published for and under the sanc- 
tion of the Executive Committee of the Western 
Foreign Missionary Society, the profits arising from 
the sale of it will be appropriated to the African Mis- 
sion. 




CONTENTS, 



Page. 

To the Reader, ^ - - v 

Introductory Discourse, by Archibald Alexan- 
der, D. D. Professor of Didactic and Polemic 
Theology, in the Theological Seminary at 
Princeton, - ix 
Memoir, &c. - 15 

CHAPTER I. 

From his Birth till the close of his Academic 
studies, - - - - IT 

CHAPTER II. 
His Residence at the Theological Seminaries of 
Andover and Princeton, - 41 

CHAPTER III. 
His Labors in the Cause of Christ, while pro- 
secuting his Studies, as preparatory to the 
Gospel Ministry, - . x . 48 

CHAPTER IV. 
His consideration of the subject of Foreign 
fissions, and his determination to become 
a Missionary to the Heathen, - 60 



iv CONTENT*. 

Pag* 

CHAPTER V. 
His last Journey — Ordination — Sickness, and 



Death, .... 79 

CHAPTER VI. 

General Character of Mr. Barr, . 105 

Historical Sketch of the Western Foreign 

Missionary Society, - - - 133 



The Dead Speaking, a Sermon delivered in 
the Oratory of the Theological Seminary, 
at Princeton, New- Jersey, November 18th, 
1832, on occasion of the Death of the Rev. 
Joseph W. Barr, Missionary to Africa. By 
Samuel Miller, D. D. Professor in said 



Seminary, - - - - 163 

APPENDIX. 

Selection of Original Letters of Mr. Joseph 

W. Barr, - 195 

Note A. .... 260 

Note B, 283 



TO THE READER, 



The mournful event to which this little volume owes 
its existence, was as extraordinary in the history of 
modern missions, as the feeling of public sorrow, and 
christian sympathy which it produced was deep and 
universal. To a young Society, just commencing its 
operations, and intending to commence them with an 
enterprise as urgent and important as it was eventful 
and dangerous, the Lord of the harvest had given two 
youthful soldiers of the cross, apparently possessing in 
an eminent degree the qualifications requisite for such 
an undertaking. Every preparation for their embark- 
ation for Africa had been made; the parting scene 
with beloved relatives and friends had passed, — and a 
few hours was to have borne the in from their native 
shores. While thus waiting the-moment of departure* 
a pestilential disease seizes upon the halest and health- 
iest of the two, and after a few brief struggles of his vi- 
gorous constitution with the terrific malady, he who had 
longed to suffer and to die for Christ beneath the 
burning sun of Africa, sinks in death, amidst the kind 
attentions of Christians, and ere he is permitted to 
enter upon his self-denying course. A thousand hearts 
whicn had already throbbed with gratitude and delight* 
in anticipation of the results of so heroic and so hu- 
mane an enterprise, are struck with astonishment, as 
he falls, and while the eye of deep amazement fastens 
upon the survivor, as alone he sets forward on the 
eventful expedition, the solemn knell of death sounds 
long, and in tones of deep mournfulness, and monitory 
import, to the utmost limits of the Presbyterian church. 
The grave seldom closes upon a man who possessed 
higher qualifications for a missionary to the heathen; 
or one who is among his particular acquaintances 
more sincerely and deservedly esteemsd. 

The life a young man, whose habits have been uni- 
form, and whose years have been passed in the retired 
and quiet scenes of home, can be expected, at the 
period when his education is just finished, to present 
few striking incidents, and few strong points of char ^ 



vi 



TO THE HEADER. 



aeter. The following Memoir, if perused under the 
impression of this obvious truth, will not, it is hoped, 
prove an uninteresting book. It contains an Intro, 
duction, by the Rev. Dr. Alexander, in which the sub- 
ject of Missions is presented in as strong and convin- 
cing a form as we recollect ever to have seen it. We 
•would commend this article to the prayerful and earnest 
attention of all who sincerely desire to know their duty 
in reference to the heathen. 

The account of Mr. Barr which follows, is chiefly 
composed of materials furnished by his venerable fa- 
ther, and these consisting principally of extracts from 
his owm letters : with such notices as were furnished 
by those who best knew him. It has been thought 
proper to incorporate with this part of the work a brief 
historical view of the origin and plans of the Society, 
of which Mr. Barr was one of the first Missionaries. 

The Discourse of the Rev. Dr. Miller, delivered in 
the Seminary at Princeton, on the occasion of his 
death, which next follows, is one of the happiest speci- 
mens of that kind of preaching which consists in a 
judicious, seasonable, affectionate, and solemn applica* 
tion of the dispensations of heaven to the practical pur- 
poses of life. 

The Appendix to this little volume, besides two or 
three Notes, contains a selection from some of Mr. 
Barr's letters. A very considerable proportion of those 
which have been furnished, seemed to have nearly 
equal claims to a place in this work; and as a large 
number of them were received at too late a period to 
admit of making an}^ other arrangement, they' are pub- 
lished in the order of their dates. The article of the 
Appendix under note A. had not come to hand when 
the compiler was obliged to leave home on the business 
of the society, and it is therefore inserted without a 
perusal, to see how far it records facts which may have 
been previously anticipated. If it should please the 
Holy One of Israel to bless the book to the edification 
and improvement of the reader, and to any increase of 
compassion for the perishing heathen, our labor will 
not have been in vain. COMPILER, 

Pittsburgh, March, 1833. 



INTRODUCTORY DISCOURSE 



BY 

ARCHIBALD ALEXANDER, D. D. 
Professor of Didactic and Polemic Theology, in the 
Theological Seminary at Princeton. 

That the last command of the risen Saviour 
imposes an obligation on the ministry, and on 
the church now existing on earth, is too plain to 
need much confirmation or illustration. To sup- 
pose that this command was restricted to the 
apostles, to whom it was at first addressed, 
would be to suppose, that Christ gave them a 
command which could not possibly be executed; 
for in the short period of their lives, upon earth, 
they could not have transiently visited all the 
nations of the world, much less have made them 
disciples by instructing them in the Christian 
religion. And to suppose that this commission 
does not remain in full force, in every age, until 
the work is accomplished, would be to entertain 
the absurd opinion, that the conversion of the 
world, which was so dear to the Saviour when 
he sent out his apostles, has since become indif- 
ferent to him; and if he does not command it 
any longer, it cannot be the duty of any to un- 
dertake it. But if the object is still precious in 
his sight, and must be accomplished, on whom 
does it devolve, but on the church and ministry? 
And how can it be accomplished unless men are 
found willing to " go into all the world to'' 5 
preach the gospel? And how can they preach 
except they be sent? 



yill INTRODUCTORY DISCOURSE. 

Again a let the ministers of the gospel as!*: 
themselves, by what authority they exercise the 
sacred office? Are they not obliged to trace it 
up to this very commission? Now, if they are 
acting under this commission, they can never 
evade the obligation to "go and teach all na- 
tions." All, therefore, who assume the sacred 
office, incur the solemn responsibility of aiding 
with their best efforts, the execution of this work. 

It might seem to be an objection to this ap- 
plication of our Saviour's command, that it would 
require every preacher of the gospel to become a 
foreign missionary. Well, unless he can satisfy 
his conscience that he can better serve the cause 
of his Master at home, the inference must be ad- 
mitted. This leads me to remark, that no prin- 
ciple of Christian duty is more undoubted than 
this, that every disciple of Christ is under obli- 
gations to go any where, or do any work, which 
will most effectually subserve the interests of his 
kingdom. And of course, every minister is 
bound to go wherever he is persuaded his labors 
can be most serviceable in promoting this great 
cause. There is not one of the whole number 
who is exempt from the obligation to go to the 
remotest corner of the earth, if by so doing, he 
can be more useful in the conversion of the 
world, than by remaining at home. And, per- 
haps, there are many now remaining at ease in 
Zion, who ought to be laboring among the hea- 
then, in some foreign land. This subject has not 
received from ministers that solemn and impar- 
tial consideration, which its importance demands; 
otherwise, we should not find so many ministers 
stationed where they are but little needed, and 



INTRODUCTORY BISCOTJRSB* iX 

occupied with concerns which have no direct re 
lation to the Redeemer's kingdom; and we should 
not have forced upon us, the painful reflection 
that " all seek their own, not the things which 
are Jesus Christ's." But it is not intended, that 
all should actually go abroad to preach the gos- 
pel. There are some who cannot be spared 
from the important stations which they now fill 
in the church at home. There have been men, 
too, whose labors at home have been as self- 
denying as those of any foreign missionarj^; and 
such men as Mills, Worcester, Evarts, and Cor- 
nelius, more effectually promoted the conversion 
of the heathen, by laboring with the churches in 
this land, to induce them to aid the cause, than 
if they had actually gone to foreign lands. And 
the same is true of Fuller, Rane, Orme, Bogue, 
and Scott, in England. Others are prevented 
by Providential hindrances, which clearly indi- 
cate the will of Heaven, in regard to them. 
And it cannot be denied, that there are some who 
may fill some vacancy at home with advantage, 
who are not fitted for foreign service. Besides, 
we must beware of thinking that those who are 
faithfully employed in the vineyard at home, are 
not doing a work as acceptable to their Lord, as 
those who go to the distant heathen. " Feed 
my sheep" — " Feed my lambs," — are as really 
the commands of a risen Saviour, as " go teach 
all nations" — " Preach the gospel to every crea- 
ture." So, in the apostles' days, each church 
had its presbyters, whose ministerial duties were 
circumscribed within the limits of the society 
which they served. And now, when a nation iat 
converted to Christ, teachers must remain with 



Till INTRODUCTORY MSCOrBSE* 

Again a let the ministers of the gospel as^ 
themselves, by what authority they exercise the 
sacred office? Are they not obliged to trace it 
up to this very commission? Now, if they are 
acting under this commission, they can never 
evade the obligation to "go and teach all na- 
tions." All, therefore, who assume the sacred 
office, incur the solemn responsibility of aiding 
with their best efforts, the execution of this work. 

It might seem to be an objection to this ap- 
plication of our Saviour's command, that it would 
require every preacher of the gospel to become a 
foreign missionary. Well, unless he can satisfy 
his conscience that he can better serve the cause 
of his Master at home, the inference must be ad- 
mitted. This leads me to remark, that no prin- 
ciple of Christian duty is more undoubted than 
this, that every disciple of Christ is under obli- 
gations to go any where, or do any work, which 
will most effectually subserve the interests of his 
kingdom. And of course, every minister is 
bound to go wherever he is persuaded his labors 
can be most serviceable in promoting this great 
cause. There is not one of the whole number 
who is exempt from the obligation to go to the 
remotest corner of the earth, if by so doing, he 
can be more useful in the conversion of the 
world, than by remaining at home. And, per- 
haps, there are many now remaining at ease in 
Zion, who ought to be laboring among the hea- 
then, in some foreign land. This subject has not 
received from ministers that solemn and impar- 
tial consideration, which its importance demands; 
otherwise, we should not find so many ministers 
stationed where they are but little needed, and 



INTRODUCTORY BXSCOUKSW* 



occupied with concerns which have no direct re 
lation to the Redeemer's kingdom; and we should 
not have forced upon us, the painful reflection 
that " all seek their own, not the things which 
are Jesus Christ's." But it is not intended, that 
all should actually go abroad to preach the gos- 
pel. There are some who cannot be spared 
from the important stations which they now fill 
in the church at home. There have been men, 
too, whose labors at home have been as self- 
denying as those of any foreign missionary; and 
such men as Mills, Worcester, Evarts, and Cor- 
nelius, more effectually promoted the conversion 
of the heathen, by laboring with the churches in 
this land, to induce them to aid the cause, than 
if they had actually gone to foreign lands. And 
the same is true of Fuller, Rane, Orme, Bogue, 
and Scott, in England. Others are prevented 
by Providential hindrances, which clearly indi- 
cate the will of Heaven, in regard to therm 
And it cannot be denied, that there are some who 
may fill some vacancy at home with advantage, 
who are not fitted for foreign service. Besides, 
v/e must beware of thinking that those who are 
faithfully employed in the vineyard at home, are 
not doing a work as acceptable to their Lord, as 
those who go to the distant heathen. " Feed 
my sheep" — " Feed my lambs," — are as really 
the commands of a risen Saviour, as " go teach 
all nations" — " Preach the gospel to every crea- 
ture." So, in the apostles' days, each church 
had its presbyters, whose ministerial duties were 
circumscribed within the limits of the society 
which they served. And now, when a nation is 
•onyerted to Christ, teachers must remain with 



$j INTRODUCTORY DISCOURSE* 

the newly made disciples, to instruct them more 
particularly, in all the doctrines and precepts of 
the gospel. As if an army should be directed 
by their sovereign, to conquer and take posses- 
sion of a country, when a province was subdued, 
while part of the army marched onward to com* 
plete the conquest, it would be necessary for an- 
other part to garrison the strong places, and to 
retain under their power, the people already sub- 
jugated. All ministers should feel that they are 
soldiers belonging to one and the same army of 
the Captain of salvation; and all equally bound 
to obey his high commands, to fight the battles 
of the Lord, at home or abroad; to go on a for- 
lorn hope, to besiege some strong citadel of the 
enemy; or to exercise a watch over those already 
reduced to subjection. 

Since, then, there is but one leader-^-one 
army — and one service, — the only inquiry of 
importance, for every man, is, " Am I in my 
allotted place? Have I the command of my 
Lord for occupying the station which I am in?" 
All ministers and all candidates for the ministry* 
ought to ponder on this subject with unceasing 
solicitude and prayer. In order to determine 
where Christ would have us to labor, we ought 
to consider in what manner the laborers in the 
field are distributed. Is the number among the 
heathen as great as it should be, considering the 
multitude of unconverted pagans? or is it dispro- 
portionably small? That the latter is still the 
fact, no reflecting man can doubt. Then, there 
are ministers at home, who ought to be among 
the heathen. There are men, who, when the 
Lord by his Providence has commanded them t$ 



ifcTRODUCfORY DISCOURSE. 



go to Nineveh and prophesy there, have turned 
their faces another way. But they cannot pros- 
per. Dark storms and overwhelming waves will 
lencompass them, until their feet get into the right 
path. 

I do not stop to answer the objections which 
-are still heard against foreign missions, from one 
and another; as that we have heathen enough at 
home, to give full employment to all our preach- 
ers; that by sending our zealous and enterpris- 
ing young men to the heathen, we are weaken- 
ing and injuring the churches at home; for these 
objections would have been just as valid against 
the apostles' leaving Judea, the land of their na- 
tivity. There was in that country work enough 
for many more than twelve men. Jerusalem 
alone could have found them occupation; but 
what would have become of their high commis- 
sion, to convert the world? 

The Christian church, which is founded in 
benevolence, has yet an important lesson to 
learn, in relation to Christ's ministers. Any 
particular branch of the church ought to be will- 
ing to relinquish the most useful and beloved 
pastor, with cheerfulness, if there is good reason 
to think, that he can be more useful in another 
place. And when hundreds of millions of per- 
ishing heathen, by their necessities, are perpetu- 
ally sending forth the cry, " come over and help 
us," shall we proceed upon the mere selfish cal- 
culations of personal interest?' Piety forbids it. 
When ministers themselves shall be less under 
the influence of personal and worldly motives, in 
selecting their field of labor, we may hor)e that 
the churches will learn that the benefit of the 



xii Introductory disco crsb- 



whole and not any small part, should govera 
them in all their conduct. 

Besides, the inquiry, whether ministers have 
all performed their duty in relation to foreign 
missions, there is yet another interesting subject 
for our consideration, in which most of us have 
a deep interest. It is, whether those ministers 
who feel it to be their duty to labor in the 
churches at home, have done all that was in 
their power to aid and encourage those who have 
gone to the heathen. Here, I think, there is 
cause of self-condemnation, which we must all 
acknowledge. We have not, in this respect, 
done our duty. We have not, as we ought, re- 
membered those dear men, who are cut off from 
all the privileges of civilized society, with suffi- 
cient frequency, tenderness, and earnestness, at 
the throne of grace. We have not exerted our- 
selves, half as much as we might have done, to 
awaken a missionary spirit among the people 
committed to our charge. Indeed, we must all 
confess, that this spirit has not glowed with suffi- 
cient warmth, in our own bosoms. W T e have 
not compassionated the wretched condition of 
our brethren of the human family, as that divine 
commandment requires, which says, " Thou 
shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." Verily, we 
of the ministry have, on this subject, much cause 
for confusion of face, and contrition of heart, 
when we consider what Christ has done or suffered 
for us, and how little we have done and suffered 
for Him, and for the salvation of those for whom 
he died. 

But ministers are not the only persons who 
are concerned in this subject, The whole 



1ATK0DUCT0KY DISCOtmSE, XW. 

church is loaded with a heavy responsibility, as 
it relates to the conversion of the world. Minis- 
ters, indeed, must execute the work* so far as 
preaching the gospel and administering the sa* 
eraments are concerned; but the support of mis* 
sionaries must come from the people. The 
churches must come to feel, that the promotion 
of this object was one of the principal reasons of 
their organization. They must be brought to 
consider this, the most important work in which 
they can be engaged upon earth; and they must 
learn to esteem it a privilege, to give of their 
worldly substance to advance the Redeemer's 
kingdom* The time will come* when men will 
be covetous of gain, not that they may consume 
it on their lusts, but that they may cast it into 
the treasury of the Lord. Labor and watching, 
and privations and sacrifices, will be rendered 
not only tolerable, but sweet, by the powerful 
influence of the love of Christ. Love can make 
the heaviest burden light; the most galling yoke, 
easy. The people* instead of being losers by 
the diffusion of a missionary spirit, will have 
their enjoyments refined and multiplied, mani- 
fold. And the effect of this spirit on Christians 
will be most felicitous. It will make them be of 
one heart and one mind, and will bind them to- 
gether in bonds so gentle, that they will be ren- 
dered incapable of biting and devouring one an- 
other, any more. 

And here I must be permitted to express my 
regret, that the Presbyterian church, which is 
not exceeded by any other denomination, in the 
means of usefulness, has, in so small a degree, 
1 



Xiv INTRODUCTORY DISCOURSE* 

entered into the missionary operations of the* 
day. In many large sections of our extended 
denomination, the attention of the people scarcely 
begins to be awakened to this subject. The in- 
rnce has scarcely reached some of our 
churches, that the Lord has been carrying on a 
glorious work in the world, and has caused the 
light of the gospel to shine on dark regions 
which were never before visited by these celes- 
tial rays. What can be done to call forth the 
energies of these professed disciples of Jesus? 
How can this numerous corps of the enlisted 
host of God, now so far in the rear, be brought 
forward to take their place in the front of the 
battle? This has been a subject of deep solici- 
tude with many; and The Western Society 
for Foreign Missions, owes its existence to 
no other cause. It has not arisen from any 
feeling of jealousy or dissatisfaction towards the 
American Board of Foreign Missions, whose 
wise, extensive, and energetic plans, have se- 
cured for it a reputation which never can be tar- 
nished; but it was perceived^ that, owing to the 
location of this board, and the peculiar habits 
and views of many of our churches, they could 
never be brought to lend to the cause of missions, 
that aid and encouragement which they are well 
able to afford. It was, therefore, deemed expe- 
dient, and even necessary, to institute a society 
for conducting foreign missions, within the limits 
of the Presbyterian church, and under the con- 
trol of her judicatories. And it was, moreover, 
judged to be most proper, to locate this institu- 
tion in that section of country, where the people, 
generally, are most ardent in their attachment to 



INTRODUCTORY DISCOURSE. 



the order and government of the Presbyterian 
church, and least disposed to unite with other 
ecclesiastical bodies in plans for the advance- 
ment of the Redeemer's kingdom. Indeed, the 
idea of a western missionary society, originated 
with the members of the Synod of Pittsburgh, 
who are the best qualified to judge of the neces- 
sity that exists for such an institution, to draw 
forth the resources, and enlist the pious energies 
of the churches, in that region. Whether it was 
wise to enter on this enterprise, in the present 
state of our church, is a point on which there 
will be different opinions; and it is a question 
which I do not wish, at present, to discuss; but 
as the step has been taken, and a new missiona- 
ry society has been actually formed, under fa- 
vorable auspices, I cannot hesitate in believing, 
that they ought to go forward with zeal and alac- 
rity; and to exert themselves to the utmost, to 
awaken a missionary spirit in all the region 
round about them; and in other places, also, 
where the churches have remained inactive, on 
this most interesting subject. If, as we believe, 
the Presbyterian church, in her doctrines and 
ecclesiastical order, is nearer to the apostolical 
model, than any other denomination, she ought 
undoubtedly to go before ail others in her zeal 
and efforts to bring the whole world under the 
dominion of Christ. 

I do not agree in opinion with those who 
think, that all missionary operations should be 
under the management of one society. When 
the transactions of a particular board become 
multifarious and complicated, it will always be 
the consequence, that some stations will be ne- 



Xvi INTRODUCTORY DISCOURSE. 

glected, and some concerns imperfectly attended 
to: and this opinion is not merely the result of 
theory, but is sanctioned by the mature experi- 
ence of the Baptist missionaries in India, who 
have had as good an opportunity of judging cor- 
rectly as any men living. It would, therefore, 
give me no uneasiness to learn, that the churches 
in our connection, in the Southern states, had 
resolved to institute a society for foreign missions, 
The only strong objection to having more socie- 
ties than one operating within the limits of the 
Presbyterian church, is, the danger of strife and 
collision; but if the proper missionary spirit 
should govern the members and agents of the 
several societies, I venture to predict that this 
evil will, in a very small degree, be realized. 
Collections may be made for two societies, even 
in the same congregation, without enkindling the 
least animosity, or occasioning the least strife* 
Let every church and every individual, make 
their own selection of the society which shall re- 
ceive their funds. The evil which has arisen 
from the " separate action" of the two great do- 
mestic boards, has, in my opinion, been owing 
to mismanagement. But I will not venture fur- 
ther on this delicate ground. The Western So- 
ciety for Foreign Missions already exists, and 
begins to act with an energy which encourages 
the hearts of the friends of missions. From the 
success which has attended their incipient efforts, 
there is reason to expect, that the most sanguine 
hopes of those who formed the enterprise, will 
be more than realized. Liberal contributions 
have been received from a number of churches, 
which heretofore have done little or nothing for 



INTRODUCTORY DISCOURSE. 



this cause. And missionaries of high qualificat- 
ions, have promptly offered their services. 

It has been an object of absorbing interest and 
painful solicitude, to this society, just commenc- 
ing its operations, to fix on the spot, where they 
should first attempt to erect the banner of the 
«ross among the heathen; and after much con- 
sultation, deliberation, and prayer, they have 
resolved, that Central Africa combines more 
advantages, and presents more facilities, for a 
successful mission, than any other unoccupied 
heathen land. China and Japan are, indeed, 
equally needy, and more dense in their popula- 
tion; but, at present, the access of missionaries 
to those countries is precluded. India has al- 
ready numerous missionary stations, and may- 
be said to be partially evangelized. Burmah is 
assailed on several points by the Baptist mission- 
aries; and the American Board have it in con- 
templation, speedily to establish a missionary 
station in Siam, where for some time, one of 
their missionaries has been making the requisite 
inquiries. In the islands of the Pacific, and 
among the aborigines of North America, God 
has wrought wonders, through the instrumen- 
tality of missionaries. These fields are already 
occupied, and those societies in Europe and 
America, which have directed their attention to 
them, and also to South Africa, are fully compe- 
tent to increase the number of laborers, as they 
may be needed. But Central Africa is yet 
without a missionary station. The Swiss mis- 
sionaries did, indeed, attempt an establishment 
near to the colony of Liberia, btt - their pious en- 



XVJli INTRODUCTORY DISCOURSE. 

terprise was defeated by the fatal malaria of the* 
coast, which cut off most of them, before they 
had fairly commenced operations. But in the 
interior, there is good ground to believe, that the 
climate is much more salubrious, than on the 
coast. From the recent accounts of travelers,, 
it would seem, that there are in this region, nu- 
merous tribes or nations, in a much more ad- 
vanced state of civilization, than those which are 
found on the coast; and it does not appear, that 
they are subject to many epidemic diseases; or, 
that their fevers are of a very malignant kind* 
And, what is of immense importance, the inha- 
bitants of these regions do not appear to be of a 
ferocious or blood-thirsty disposition; but on the 
contrary, to be very friendly to white men; so 
that travelers have passed among them, with a& 
little personal danger, as they could have done 
in many parts of our own country. And the 
principal difficulty has been, to get permission to 
leave the country; for the chiefs of those tribes T 
are so sensible of the superiority of white men r 
that they are very desirous to avail themselves 
of their presence and assistance; this disposition 
is rather favorable than adverse to the object 
which missionaries wish to promote* 

But, perhaps, that circumstance which, above 
all others, recommends the middle region of Af- 
rica, as the most eligible country for a new 
missionary station, is, the existence of the colony 
of Liberia, on the western coast. The impor- 
tance of having -a friendly colony in the vicinity^ 
or within an accessible distance of a missionary 
station, must be obvious to every one. The* 
mere knowledge of the existence of such a colony 



INTRODUCTORY DISCOURSE. Xltf 



would be a protection to missionaries; especially 
as the military prowess of the Liberians is well 
known among the natives through a wide extent 
of territory. The colony, moreover, would fur- 
nish a refuge for the missionaries, if they should 
be driven away by the people among whom they 
had fixed their residence. And the frequency of 
the intercourse between this country and Liberia, 
would enable the society to communicate, con- 
stantly, with their missionaries, and to send 
them such supplies and reinforcements, as might 
be needed. Indeed, the colony of Liberia may 
itself be considered as a large and important mis- 
sionary station. And among those persons of 
color, whose- spirit will move them to go to this 
land of promise, there will doubtless be some, 
who will be eminently qualified to act as mis- 
sionaries, or helps to missionaries, in that coun- 
try. God seems to have raised up this colony, 
as the first step towards the civilization , and 
Christianization of benighted Africa. And here, 
perhaps, we begin to see unraveled that myste- 
rious dispensation of Providence, by which so 
many of the children of Africa were transported 
to this continent, and the West India Islands. 
While the conduct of men, and Christian men 
too, was most culpable, the design of God was, 
that these people should here imbibe the knowledge 
of our holy religion, and of the arts of civilized 
life, and should carry them back to bless the 
land of their forefathers. However injurious the 
slave-trade has been, to a large portion of this 
country; and however unjust to the oppressed 
Africans — of both which every impartial man 
must be deeply convinced — yet he who takes a 



XX INTRODUCTORY DISCOURSE* 

comprehensive view of the whole subject, must 
be satisfied, that ultimate good will be the result 
of bringing the African race to America. Al* 
ready, multitudes have received the blessings of 
the gospel, who, if they had remained, or been 
born in Africa, must have perished in their idol- 
atry. And if, by- the agency of the colonization 
society, that dark continent should become illu- 
mined with the rays of gospel light, how grand 
will be the result? 

It was, indeed, a dark dispensation which so 
unexpectedly cut down one of the missionaries 
of the Western Foreign Missionary Society, who 
had recently devoted himself to Africa, and was 
actually prepared to embark for that continent. 
How richly he was endowed, and how well qua- 
lified for this work, I leave it to others to de- 
scribe. The Memoir which follows, will con- 
tain every thing which his mourning friends, 
and a sympathising Christian community, can 
desire to see published. I will only say, in one 
word, that take him all in all, Joseph Bare was 
not inferior to any man with whom I have been 
acquainted, in the substantial qualifications of a 
good missionary. But God's ways, though sur- 
rounded with darkness, are always right. " Thy 

WILL BE DONE." 

But melancholy as this event is, it ought not to 
damp the zeal or discourage the efforts of this 
society. It is doubtless intended as a trial of 
their faith: and it is possible, that disastrous as 
this event may appear to be to us, it may be 
overruled, greatly to subserve the cause of mis- 
sions, in the western country, and in this whole 
land. It is calculated to arouse the attention of 



INTRODUCTORY DISCOURSE. 



XXI 



the churches, and to lead many to the serious 
inquiry, whether they have done their duty, in 
relation to the perishing heathen. It is possible, 
that this dear young man, by his death, in our 
own land, may accomplish more than he would 
have done, had he been spared to visit Africa. 
Better that he should die at home, than on a 
coast which already holds out terrors enough to 
frighten most white men from thinking of a per- 
manent residence there. The circulation of this 
memoir will, I trust, have a powerful effect on 
many of the rising youth of the west, who are 
preparing for the ministry; or who ought to be 
looking towards this sacred office. Truly, " he 
being dead yet speaketh." Young man, who- 
ever thou art, who readest these pages, Joseph 
Barr speaketh to you, and the import of his ad- 
dress is — " Arise and take my place; prepare to 
occupy the field from which I have been called 
away." Young men of piety and talents! Pro- 
vidence is affording you a glorious opportunity 
of winning a rich prize. The w 7 orld never be- 
fore presented such a field for successful exer- 
tion. The heathen are becoming accessible at 
almost every point; and their disposition to re- 
ceive the gospel is becoming, every year, more- 
favorable; and the churches are more and more 
manifesting a willingness to sustain all who are 
disposed to engage in the work. The only pain- 
ful inquiry is, " Who will go for us?" What 
is your answer, individually? Do I hear you 
respond, " Here am I, send me?" Or will you 
prefer inglorious ease, and earthly advantages, 
to the labors and rewards of the faithful mis- 
sionary? Surely, the day is coming when you 



XXU INTRODUCTORY DISCOURSE. 



will not thus judge — that awful day, when our 
Lord shall take account of his servants, and of 
the manner in which they have occupied their 
talents. To some he will then say, " Well 

DOXE, GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT ENTER 

into the joy of thy Lord;" but to others, 
" Out of thine own mouth will I condemn 

THEE, THOU SLOTHFUL AND WICKED SERVANT." 

T cannot conclude this discourse without be- 
speaking an interest in the prayers of all the pious 
who may read these pages, in behalf of the friend 
and companion of Barr, the Rev. John B. Pinney; 
who, trusting in the Lord, has gone forth alone 
to Africa, to explore the country, and to fix on a 
proper place for a missionary station. Much 
seems to depend upon the preservation of his 
life, and the success of his exploring tour. 

One of the first reflections which occurred to 
the writer, after the melancholy intelligence of 
the death of Barr reached him, was, that we had 
not been sufficiently engaged in prayer for his 
preservation and success. We are continually 
prone to lose a sense of dependence on God, for 
every thing. When these two young men were 
set apart to the work of the ministry, and conse- 
crated to missionary efforts in Africa, in the pre- 
sence of a multitude of people, the impression 
seemed to be strong on the minds of the Chris- 
tian public, that they were destined to accom- 
plish some great object: but our hope was too 
much founded on the zeal and qualifications of 
the men; and too little on the blessing of God, 
which alone can render enterprise successful. 
Let us, therefore, beware of this error, in all 
future time. 



MEMOIR, die 



It is due to the Christian public, as well as the 
Editor of this volume, to state, that the original 
plan of the work contemplated such a sketch of 
the character of Mr. Barr, as could be properly 
furnished only by some intimate friend, and 
which might serve to illustrate and give interest 
to such a narration of facts, and such extracts 
from his letters, as might be connected with it. 
We were authorized to rely upon two different 
sources for the provision of such an article, and 
were not apprised of the failure of both, until the 
moment when the publication was commenced. # 
Had circumstances allowed us to attempt to sup- 
ply such a desideratum, our particular know- 
ledge of the subject of this Memoir, was not suf- 
ficient to justify the hope of attaining such a 
degree of accuracy and justice, in the delinea- 
tion, as the effort ought to imply. What, how- 
ever, might be regarded as desirable, will not, it 
is believed, be considered indispensable* The 
best account of a useful and devoted servant of 
Christ, is comprised in the narrative of his words 
and actions; and we have endeavored so to ar- 
range the materials of this kind, which have beer* 



* See Mr, Bradstreet's Letter, page 107. 



LIFE OF j. W. BABitt 



furnished us, as to present them in the most 
useful form. The Executive Committee of the 
Western Foreign Missionary Society, soon after 
determining upon the publication, requested the 
Rev. Thomas Barr, of Monroe, (Ohio,) the vene- 
rable father of the subject of this Memoir, to col- 
lect and transmit to them, such materials as 
might be within his reach ; and both they and 
the Christian public, (it will be perceived,) are 
indebted to him for much of the information 
herein contained. Indeed, if the mind of the 
reader is impressed with the communications of 
Mr. Barr, (presented, for the most part, in the 
form and language in which they were received,) 
as our own has been, he will feel doubtful 
whether any thing in addition, or by way of 
amplification, could add to the value of this part 
of the work. We have arranged Mr. Barr's 
letters to us, and items of information received 
from other sources, in such a way as to throw 
the narrative into six short divisions. May 
the perusal of the interesting account here 
given, of this devoted young man, awaken in 
many a heart, a zeal for the glory of the Re- 
deemer and the good of men, like that which so 
strikingly distinguished him. 



LIFE OF J. W. BAKK, 



17 



CHAPTER L 

From his Birth till the close of his Academic 
Studies. 

(In a Letter from the Rev. Thomas Barr,) 

Monroe, Butler County, ( 
December 18, 1832. \ 

Rev. E. P. Swift, Cor, Sec, W. B. F, M. 
Rev* and Dear Sir: 

In complying with yonr request to furnish 
some materials towards preparing brief memoirs 
of my lately deceased son, and your Missionary, 
Joseph Welsh Bare, I will previously observe, 
that for a number of particulars worthy of no- 
tice, beyond what is in my power to communi- 
cate, you will have to be indebted to others who 
possess the knowledge of them. 

He was born July 22, 1802; at which time I 
was a resident of Liberty township, Trumbull 
county, Ohio; into w<hich state I had removed 
from Western Pennsylvania, in the spring of 
1800. Joseph was our fourth child* From in- 
fancy, he was robust and healthy, of a cheerful 
and very affectionate disposition. Under the in- 
fluence of religion, his cheerfulness remained, 
but duly, (in the main,) regulated ; and his affec- 
tion for his friends and relatives greatly strength- 
ened. I do not recollect any incidents in his 
early life, that merit any particular notice, ex- 
cepting such as somewhat involve with them, a 
little sketch of the history of his parents at that 
2 



18 



LIFE OF J. W. BAKU. 



period, which I shall present; merely because it 
seems to me necessary to elucidate some few 
particulars in his history, which otherwise might 
seem obscure. 

At the time of the marriage of his mother and 
myself, we were both of us strangers to vital 
piety. Within a year, however, after our mar- 
riage, she became hopefully pious, united with 
the church; and from then until her removal to 
the upper sanctuary, all that knew her were con- 
strained to take knowledge of her " that she had 
been with Jesus." I believe it. might, with much 
truth, have been affirmed of her, that she " feared 
the Lord greatly. And, as a general trait of her 
character, I might also say, that she seemed to 
be " in the fear of the Lord all the day long." 
Her light shone, and seemed in some measure to 
fill the limited sphere in which she moved. And 
she lived not in vain. A number of individuals, 
mainly through her instrumentality, were awa- 
kened and eventually led to embrace the truth as 
it is in Jesus. And if I have ever tasted that the 
Lord has been gracious to me, a poor miserable 
sinner, to her prayers, entreaties, and expostu- 
lations) more than to any other human instru- 
mentality, am I, under God, indebted for this 
grace. Such a woman w r ould not be unmindful 
of her children. And, with regard to them, she 
pursued a practice, in one particular, beyond 
what numbers of even pious mothers do. In ad- 
dition to continued, oft-repeated, pious instruc- 
tions given, as they were able to bear it, in a 
tender and solemn manner, — she was in the ha- 
bit of taking one, or sometimes two of her child*' 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



19 



ren at a time, and retiring to some secluded spot, 
and there talk to them, and pray over them and 
for them particularly, with strong cries and 
tears, and conclude with putting her hands upon 
them and blessing them. This I know, not only 
from the statements of several of them, but from 
the circumstance, that after I was privileged to 
share in the same hope of the gospel with her, I 
not unfrequently associated with her in these ex- 
ercises. It might naturally be expected that 
deep impressions would be made upon the minds 
of her children, by such a practice. In the last 
interview I had with Joseph, he referred with 
tender and deep interest to those early scenes; 
remarking that even now it seemed to him he 
could feel his mother's hands pressing upon his 
head, as she had been used to do in those sea- 
sons, when giving him her blessing. And he 
had no hesitancy in believing, that the deep and 
pungent convictions which, at a later period, he 
experienced, and which resulted in his conver- 
sion, as he hoped, to God, were connected with 
the instructions, prayers, and blessings, in which 
he had thus participated in childhood and early 
youth. One circumstance more, I feel con- 
strained to notice, to show how deeply she felt 
the obligations and importance of parental duty. 
On the night in which she died, (October 9th, 
1312,) being raised up in her bed, myself and all 
her children capable of understanding, (six in 
number, besides one seven days old,) being 
around her, — she most affectionately and so- 
lemnly charged it upon her children, to attend 
to the care of their souls, and be prepared to 



20 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



meet her at the right hand of Christ; and then 
addressing herself to me, in reference to my 
ministerial duty, she said — "Be faithful, and 
especially warn parents of their duty to their 
children:" concluding these addresses with a 
most appropriate and affecting prayer; and a few 
moments after fell asleep in Jesus. 

The circumstance I have noticed, made a deep 
impression on my own mind, and has been in- 
strumental in inducing me to preach more fre- 
quently and plainly to parents and children, 
than perhaps I otherwise should. And as far as 
I have had opportunity to know, I have reason 
to believe that my preaching on these topics has 
been the most useful of any other. 

Many interesting particulars I could add, of 
this dear departed saint, were I giving her his- 
tory. I close my remarks concerning her, with 
one sentence engraved on the stone that marks 
the place of her sleeping dust: 

" While living, the heart of her husband did 
safely trust in her; and now that she is dead, her 
children arise up and call her blessed." 

Owing to mv being in very low circumstances 
as to worldly property, beyond the religious in- 
structions which I labored to communicate in 
some measure to the extent I was capable, I was 
not able to give any of my children more than 
the mere and ordinary advantages of a limited, 
common-school education. Neither did my cir- 
cumstances allow me to make my sons farmers; 
hence, I deemed the best in this respect that I 
could do for then), was to apprentice them to 
learn some mechanical art. Joseph was appren- 



LIFE OF J. W. BARK* 



21 



ticed to learn the house-carpenter business, in 
his sixteenth year: and from that period, was 
only occasionally, for very short periods, under 
the paternal roof. Another circumstance also 
served to sunder our communications still more, 
was my removal to another part of the country, 
sixty or seventy miles distant. 

As I have remarked, no very particular inci- 
dents marked the period now noticed. Joseph's 
mind was, indeed, as were, more or less, the 
minds of all my children, occasionally tenderly 
and seriously impressed. Oft have I witnessed 
this, when on some Sabbath, after the public 
exercises of the day being over, I have spent a 
season of catechetical instruction with them, min- 
gled with earnest applications of truth to their 
consciences. And occasionally when leaving 
home for a missionary tour, to be of four or six 
weeks' continuance, I have solemnly addressed 
them, as not knowing that we should all meet 
again in time. No other fruit, however, then 
appeared; though, I doubt not, that thereby con- 
science was strengthened so as not altogether to 
lose its power. 

From the period of my son's apprenticeship, 
and until some time after, he desired to live in 
pleasure, not caring to have God in all his 
thoughts. But even in this, he was not suc- 
cessful. Ever and anon, as he has since ac- 
knowledged, he could never get effaced the im- 
pressions of tmth made on his mind by early 
instruction. In the midst of his attempts for sin- 
ful enjoyments, conscience spoke and embittered 
2* 



22 



LIFE OF J. W. BAKU* 



his cup. About the period of his hopeful conver- 
sion, in a letter he related the following incident: 

In a neighborhood where he was then labor- 
ing in his business, there was a ball of the young 
people. He made one of the company. During 
the evening, the young lady, his partner, asked 
him if he was the son of the missionary Barr; 
whom, some years before, she had heard preach 
at her father's: (and at that time there were but 
few settlements in the Western Reserve, where 
I had not preached.) Upon his answering in the 
affirmative, she remarked: " And what would 
your father say or think, if he knew you were 
engaged in these scenes?" This was an arrow 
to his heart, and despoiled him of all his comfort 
for the evening. And this leads me to notice, 
that after he had " come to himself," he was 
deeply sensible of the utility of such advantages 
as he had early enjoyed, though he had seemed, 
for a season, to profit so little by them. 

In a letter to me, about this time, in which he 
referred to my course of parental instruction, in 
the family, and the grief of heart and discour- 
agement he supposed it must have been to me, 
its not having the effect I desired, he thus 
speaks: 

" O, my father, never give up in discourage- 
ment! Continue while you have children to in- 
struct, to do, in this respect, as you have done. 
It won't be lost. It was not lost, even upon me." 
And in another: " I know, my father, that my 
conduct in days past and gone, has not been as 
it ought. This now is a grief of heart to me, 
and I desire, my father, to be a comfort and con- 



LIFE OF J. W. BARS. 



solation to you the remainder of your life, as I 
have been a grief to you thus far of mine." 

Dear, penitent child! he wrote this spontane- 
ously, without any solicitation of mine to induce 
it. He had never grieved me, only as impeni- 
tent children may be supposed to grieve jthe 
hearts of pious parents, who long in the bowels 
of Christ for their salvation. 

It was in the summer of 1823, while on a visit 
to his friends in Euclid, the place of his early and 
tenderest associations, that his mind became 
deeply impressed, in attending upon the services 
of a sacramental occasion there. There are 
some circumstances connected with his awaken- 
ing, of which I never had, or have lost the know- 
ledge, that some persons have considered strik- 
ing. I did not see him until at least five months 
after. I also went to Euclid on some business, 
the same week on which my son had left it 
under deep conviction. He had departed, how- 
ever, previous to my arrival. He was then 
working at Elyria, about fifty miles up the lake 
from Euclid. Upon my return to Wooster, 
where I then resided, I wrote to him in such a 
manner as my feelings and judgment dictated; 
but this letter he did not receive, until nearly 
two months after. I notice this, because it will 
explain some things in the following letter of his, 
(which I copy,) the first which I received from 
him after his change. It is dated 

" Euclid, September 27, 1823. 

" Dear and affectionate Father: 

" I received your kind and affecting letter of 



24 



LIFE OF J. W. BAKU* 



July 30th, on yesterday. Providence seemed to 
forbid that we should see each other; or, that I 
should receive your instructions at a time when 
I most needed them. 

" My dear father, 1 know not how to express 
my feelings on a subject which, t think, if I 
know any thing, lies nearest my heart. When 
1 left Euclid the Tuesday before you got there, 
(I reached there the same week,) I thought I 
was leaving all that was near and dear to me. 
Though I then felt that I had sinned against a 
a holy, just, and wise God, and that my whole 
life had been but one scene of rebellion against 
Bim; yet I had not that deep sense of the depra- 
vity of my nature, nor of the aggravated ness of 
my sins, which I had afterwards. These feel- 
ings continued nearly a week, during which time 
it would be impossible for me to describe my 
feelings. Sometimes ready to doubt my own 
existence as a rational creature. Sometimes 
ready to give up all for lost. But I do not re- 
member that I ever had any doubt as to the 
mercy of God, if I would come to him in a right 
manner. These feelings existed from Tuesday 
until the next Sabbath evening, when my feel- 
ings became more calm. On Monday I began 
to have different views of the Divine character 
from w 7 hat I ever had before. On Tuesday my 
views were more clear than ever. I felt free 
from that condemnation which had so heavily 
laid on my mind. I thought I could understand 
how God could be just, and yet the justifier of 
fallen man. Christ appeared as one altogether 
lovely; one, in whose hands I felt willing to 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



25 



trust myself. From that time, I began to in- 
dulge a hope that I was born again; that my 
sins were washed in the Redeemer's blood. The 
next day, darkness and doubt ensued, which 
lasted until Thursday, when hope again bright- 
ened; and, though since I have had doubts and 
fears intermingled, hope still remains. I think 
I have some evidences that my hope is grounded 
upon the Scriptures of truth. Some of these I 
will now state to you. May God assist me to 
write from the heart. They are as follows: 

" A desire to love God. 1 have not the faith 
of assurance to say I do love him. A desire to 
regulate my conduct by His holy Word; to take 
it for the man of my counsel. I think I take 
pleasure in reading it; and that it seems alto- 
gether new to me. Places that formerly seemed 
to clash, now appear plain and easy to be under- 
stood. Christ appears precious. I take plea- 
sure in the ordinances and duties of religion, and 
in the society of Christians; especially such as 
are engaged in the cause. I hate sin, as truly- 
odious in the sight of God. It gives me pain 
when guilty of committing it. These are some 
of the evidences which I think I possess. How 
far my conduct will agree with my feelings is 
yet to be seen. 

" Short, my dear father, as is my experience, 
yet, on looking back, I find enough to make me 
give up all hope, if it were not for the firm belief 
that God reigns, and that all things work toge- 
ther for the good of those whom he loves. I fear 
and tremble when I think of the difficulties and 
temptations with which I am surrounded; that 1 



26 LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 

have a deceitful heart, a flattering world, and a 
subtle adversary, all to contend with; and that 
this adversary can make this vain world appear 
in such forms, as my deceitful heart will be most 
likely to accept of. Such considerations as these 
cause me to tremble. That I may be preserved 
from, or supported under such trials, is, I think, 
my anxious prayer. 

" My past conduct, dear father, causes me 
some of the most painful reflections. To think of 
despised instructions and admonitions; misspent 
Sabbaths; and misimproved time and privileges 
cause a tear of sorrow. But it is now late, and 
having been up late for several nights past, con- 
versing w T ith my friends here* on this all- 
important subject, nature is nearly exhausted, 
and my paper obliges me reluctantly to draw to 
a close. I expect to visit you the first of De- 
cember. 

" My dear father, I still request an interest 
in your prayers; the prayer of the righteous 
availeth much. Receive my warmest wishes 
for your own and the family's welfare, both spi- 
ritual and temporal. 

" Your undutiful, but, I hope, repenting son, 
" Joseph W. Barr." 

So he wrote about two months after, he had 
hopefully experienced a change of heart. 

I have no remarks to offer upon this brief, but 
comprehensive view of the exercises of his mind 



* He had not been among them since his awakening 1 
until now. 



LIFJS OF J. W. BAKR. 



27 



under conviction; his subsequent hope, with the 
grounds on which it rested; only, that the course 
of his subsequent life satisfactorily showed that 
it was, indeed, a saving change. 

According to the intimation given in thejetter 
above, he came and spent about a month at home; 
much to our mutual comfort, and perhaps to his 
edification. He then returned to Euclid, and 
made conditional arrangements there and else- 
where, for putting up buildings, to occupy him 
for nearly two years. In a letter dated, Euclid, 
January 21, 1824, giving me the information 
about his future engagements and prospects of 
business, he adds a sentence or two on the state 
of his mind, as follows: 

" With regard to my own feelings, I am at a 
loss what to say. I have not enjoyed lately that 
inward satisfaction or peace of mind, so steadily 
as I did when with you and before. The world, 
an evil heart, and a subtle enemy, often get the 
advantage of me. Almost every day unfolds 
some hidden source of sin. But Christ has pro- 
mised that as thy day is so shall thy strength be; 
but unbelief often renders the application of pro- 
mises difficult or inefficient." 

When or how his mind was led first to think 
of preparations for the ministry, I am not pos- 
sessed of the information. I know that he was 
encouraged thereto by ministers and Christian 
friends of his particular acquaintance, before he 
had finally determined to give himself to the 
work. Although the idea was agreeable to all 
my feelings, yet I was cautious in encouraging 
him at first, for two reasons: One, my inability 



28 LIFE OP J» W, BARS* 

• • • ••* 

to aid him; and another, I wished that a sufficient 
time might pass for his Christian character to be' 
developed so much, as to justify Christian friends 
in countenancing or exciting him to this course; as 
I had known some instances, in which young men 
of recent piety had been prematurely encouraged 
to look forward to the ministry, and the issue was 
unhappy for them and for the church. He had 
not the means for pursuing a course of studies, 
without interruption to acquire them; and he had 
strong objections against being what is called a 
charity scholar. (This latter difficulty I was in- 
strumental, in some degree, of removing.) As 
he was a good workman, and known to be dili- 
gent and enterprising, he could have succeeded 
well in his business, and acquired in a year or 
two, what would have assisted him much in a 
literary course. But the first year out of his 
apprenticeship, he had engaged to take land in 
payment, which he never afterwards could dis-", 
pose of on terms of any advantage. Tools and 
clothes for this first year, he had to obtain partly 
on credit. At the close of the second summer, f 
when he had concluded with advice to commence 
pieparatory studies, he thus states his circum- 
stances: " I have finished my job, and closed all 
my affairs. By making 20 per cent, discount, I 
have received all my pay out of the store this 
fall, and am decently clothed and stand even 
with the world." This was written in Decern^ 
ber, 1824; and he commenced studies with the 
Rev. Mr. Lathrop, then residing at Elyria. The 
Rev. Messrs. Betts, Bradstreet, afiS Lathrop r 
with whom he had become acquainted, and who 



♦ 

LIFE OF J. W. BARS. 29 

had opportunities of knowing him, of their views 
he thus writes: "They strongly urged me to 
give up the idea of laboring next season, and 
what means I had not, to accept from the bene- 
volence of others. They also, each of them, 
offered me four or five months' board and tuition 
free of expense, to begin with." But even these 
kind and generous offers did not fully determine 
his mind; and after stating to me some conside- 
rations that caused him to hesitate, he writes: " I 
know not what to do, neither is it in man that 
walketh to direct his steps. Knowing all this, I 
do seek to Him who can direct. I have deter* 
mined to postpone any certain conclusion until 
spring. Perhaps my way will be more clear 
then." 

As I have remarked, he commenced with Mr, 
Lathrop in January, 1825, and remained with 
him until spring. How he spent the summer of 
that year, I have no letters that show; nor do I 
recollect. In the autumn, at least, of that year, 
he must have gone to Mr. Betts of Brownhelm; 
as, in a letter from that place, under date of 
January 6, 1826, he writes; " I have been pur- 
suing study better than three months with Mr. 
Betts. I chop wood for three fire-places, for 
exercise." In the same letter, he adds: " In 
November, Professor Monteith, of Hamilton col- 
lege, sent me the offer of my board while in col- 
lege, for my services during hours not employed 
in study. I have accepted the offer, on condition 
that it meets your approbation." The Rev. 
John Monteith, who made the above offer, was 
an early acquaintance and friend of both Mrs* 
3 



30 1 



Lire of i. w. bark. 



Barr, (my present wife,) and myself. Our house 
had been like a home to him, at an early period 
of his ministry, when, laboring under a fit of 
sickness: for the attentions we then gave him, 
though no more than we ought, he seemed as 
though he could not be sufficiently grateful. He 
is the brother-in-law of Mr. Betts, through 
whom doubtless, he came to the knowledge of 
my son's character and intentions. Of course, 
I readily acceded to the proposal, encouraging 
my son to go, which he did the ensuing May. 
In the intervening period, he spent two months 
or more, with Rev. Mr. Bradstreet, then of 
Cleveland; as appears from a letter from there, 
dated February 3d, 1826, — in which he says: 
u Your wandering drab of a son, would grate" 
fully acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 
November, which I accidentally found at Elyria, 
on my way to this place. I have received no 
letters from you since July, until I received this; 
and although it w r as long on the way, it w as 
gratifying to me, indeed, once more to receive a 
letter from you. I do not know but I have che- 
rished a delicacy of feeling respecting receiving 
assistance from others, beyond what is right. I 
think, however, I have not that reluctance which 
I once had. I was pleased to find that Mr. 
Monteith's proposal met your approbation." 

Some of his best friends on the Western Re- 
serve, rather wished him not to go to Hamilton 
college, but pursue his studies with individual 
ministers, until the Western Reserve college 
was put in operation; which it was anticipated 
uoiild not be far distant in time. For various 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



reasons, I was in favor of his being in a college 
rather than a solitary student; and, also, for 
his going for some time, at least, into a different 
region from that to which his acquaintance and 
observation had hitherto been wholly confined. 
In a letter from him, dated March 6, 1826, about 
two months before he set out for Hamilton col- 
lege, he thus writes: " To-day has been the time 
for the monthly concert, and I suppose that you 
have united your prayers with the many thou- 
sands, in behalf of Zion. I have attended this 
evening. This meeting is usually very interest- 
ing to me. There is something elevating and 
pleasing in the reflection, that many are uniting, 
at the same time, in interceding for so great a 
blessing as the descent of the Holy Spirit. And 

that the prayers of God's children, this day, 
might arise like holy incense to his throne of 
mercy, and call down rich blessings on our guilty 
world! I think, my father, that if I know the 
feelings of my own heart, I desire that God may 
be glorified in this world and throughout the 
universe. Yet such is the prevalence of sin, and 
so much am I brought under its dominion; so 
much does pride, self-esteem, and unbelief, 
abound in my heart, that I sometimes have but 
little hopes that I am an humble follower of 
Christ. Yesterday, in looking over 's # Life, 

1 found a passage that was very interesting, 
nearly as follows: ; I have been striving for 
twenty years to rise above a poor sinner, but 



* Here is a blank in the letter, the name being torn 
out by the seal. 



32 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



have not been able. A beggar still at the throne 
of grace, and can no more live without daily- 
supplies of grace than daily food.' When I can 
feel myself to be a beggar at the throne of grace; 
a mere dependent on God's mercy; then are my 
hopes the strongest, and my prospects of a 
future and blessed immortality the brightest. 
Yesterday I also finished the Life of Marty n. A 
meteor in the Christian world. The generality 
of Christians cannot read his life, without feeling 
how far before them he had progressed in the 
divine life. His deep-toned feelings of piety; his 
breathings after holiness; his ardent zeal; his 
unremitted activity in the service of Christ; will 
long be remembered. I hope I shall profit by his 
memoir. My own views of education accord 
with yours. Still I tremble, when I think of be- 
ing confined within the walls of a college four 
years, and in a theological seminary, two or 
three more. Study, of itself, is a dangerous 
enemy to vital piety. It will be doubly so, when 
placed within the reach of cpm petition. Could 
the desire of doing good, and of being more use- 
ful to our fellow men, be the foundation or cause 
of the desire of excelling in improvement, it 
would not be wrong. But when the promotion 
of our own glory, the gaining of a great name, 
or the like, are the motives, it is wrong; espe- 
cially, as this will lead to misrepresent and de- 
fame the talents and literary character of com- 
petitors. I profess to study to become more 
useful, but whether this is the true motive, He 
who searcheth the heart only knows. The 
heart is deceitful above all things, and despe- 



LIFE OF J« \V. BARK* M 

mtely wicked. I think I am becoming more 
convinced of this truth; and the deeper this con- 
viction, the more precious does salvation by 
free grace appear." 

I have given these rather long exti-acts, be- 
cause I think they clearly manifest, that in this 
early stage of his religious experience, he had 
attained a deep insight into the workings of the 
human heart, as influenced by grace or sin; 
that he was watchful and jealous of himself: 
and that, from the beginning, he aimed at a high 
degree, both of piety towards God and activity 
in his service. His views of the dangers from 
competition, in a public seminary, are in some 
degree correct. Many unhappy facts prove this* 
Yet, as he then seemed to set this danger as a 
contrast to the greater security from the same 
spirit, by pursuing a solitary course of study, I 
apprehend he was mistaken. Individuals pur- 
suing studies alone, and, as the apostle expresses 
it, measuring themselves by themselves, are 
quite as likely, if not more so, to overrate their 
acquirements, than those who, from their asso- 
ciation with others, are made to feel that wisdom 
dweileth not with them alone. Pride and over- 
weening self-esteem are more likely to be check- 
ed, if not subdued, in the midst of competition, 
than where there is none. 

But to resume the narrative: As was contem- 
plated, he went to Hamilton college, in the state 
of New- York, where he remained only two 
years; ciicumstances occurring in the concerns 
of that institution, about that time, deranging 
very much its operations: so that he, with many 
3 * 



84 



LIFE OP J. W» BARS. 



others, retired and entered other colleges. My 
son returned to Ohio, in the spring of 1828, with 
the intention of entering the " Western Reserve 
college;" but was so afflicted with a disease in 
his eyes, that he was not able to resume his 
studies, until the autumn of that year, when 
he entered that institution, and was one of four 
that graduated at the jirst commencement held 
by that institution, in August, 1830. In Sep- 
tember of the same year, he went to Andover, 
and spent his first theological year. At the close 
of this, he came to Princeton, with the intention 
of remaining two years, so as to complete the 
usual course. You, my dear friend, are more 
intimately acquainted than I am, with those cir- 
cumstances which induced him to relinquish his 
studies there at the close of one year, and sepa- 
rate himself to be a missionary to long-enslaved, 
degraded, neglected Africa. How mysterious 
are the ways of Providence! I, who am now 
furnishing these few materials towards an obit- 
uary notice of him, had anticipated to have been 
very soon occupied in reading, with pleasure, 
communications from him, written in another 
continent. On his account^ I have more cause 
to rejoice than mourn. He hath entered to rest; 
ceased from the labors and conflicts necessarily 
attendant upon this disciplinary state,* and his 
works done, or intended to be done, will follow 
him* As it regards myself, I feel it a rebuke 
from my heavenly Father. Pray for me, my 
dear brother in the Lord, that 1 may be so exer- 
cised by this chastisement, that I may receive 
the fruit in peace and righteousness. 



LIFE OF J. XV. BAKU. 



S5 



While at Clinton, (the seat of Hamilton col- 
lege,) Hudson, (place of the W% R. college,) An- 
dover, and Princeton, — I received a number of 
letters from my son, some containing matter of 
sufficient interest to be communicated; which I 
shall do, as soon as it is practicable for me, with 
my other duties, to arrange and make extracts 
from them. I here insert an extract from a let- 
ter, written in Augjst, 1826,- a few months after 
he had been at Cli.iton: " I am enabled to pur- 
sue my studies, from day to day, without any in- 
terruption, except that which is voluntary. I 
take a good deal of exercise, believing it to be 
necessary for my health, and deeming it highly 
important to my future usefulness, to go through 
my studies without injuring my constitution. I 
believe it is better to be limited in our knowledge 
of the sciences, and be enabled to make what we 
do possess subservient to the cause of Christ 
than to have a vast fund, which for want of 
bodily strength is, m a manner, useless. I will 
endeavor to make the motto of a student at 
Princeton, my own. His first concern was to 
take care of his soul; then his body; and next 
attend to his studies." There is reason to be- 
lieve, that Joseph kept this motto much in his 
eye. Were / to describe him by a motto, I 
would say of him; that he was " diligent in bum* 
ness, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. 55 

To this account of the early history of Mr 
Barr, furnished by his venerable father, we sub- 
join a concise statement, extracted from a fune- 
ra : oration delivered in the sfcar-I of the West- 



86 



LIFE OF J. W, BARB*. 



em Reserve college, by Mr. C. M, Preston,, om 
of his class-mates in that seminary: 

" But yesteiday we saw Brother Banv 
Health and energy of constitution characterized 
all his movements. Every nerve was in tune — * 
every muscle was in perfect play — every organ 
performed its appropriate functions. On us he- 
poured, in refreshing, healthful streams, fchar 
spirit which animated and swayed his whole- 
soul. Now all of him that was mortal is moul- 
dering in the grave! 

" You will not only bear with me, then, while 
I give a short sketch of his history, but atfec* 
tionately sympathize with me when I am sa 
doing* 

u i shall take a part of this sketch from a pa- 
per of his, found among others which he left 
with his brother at this institution. 

— " * I was born," writes Brother Barr, " in 
Liberty, Trumbull county, Ohio, July 22, 1802. 
Soon after, my father became pious, and com- 
menced preparing for the ministry, which ha 
entered in 1809. My mother was pious previ- 
ous to the time of my birth, and lived to see me 
through the tender period of childhood. She 
was accustomed frequently to take me alone,, 
place my hands between hers* and consecrate 
me to God, with strong crying and tears*. 

" 'My early education., except a religious 
one, was limited. From the age often to thir- 
teen, I spent only ray winter quarters at school, 
the last of which I pursued English grammar 
and writing* I attended school no more till 1 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



was In my twenty-first year, when I carried a 
slate for the first time.' 

" The period from the time of his apprentice- 
ship till his conversion, is here passed over in 
silence. The recollection of it to him was a 
dagger to his soul, for it was spent in sin. Be- 
lieving that important instruction may be drawn 
from it, I shall advert to it hereafter. In 1825 
he commenced study with Dr. Betts, of Brown- 
helm, with a view to the ministry. The first 
two years of his collegiate life he spent in the 
vicinity of Hamilton College. In the fall of 1828 
lie entered the Junior class of the Western Re- 
serve College. From the standing he there held, 
as a student — from his warm-hearted piety as 
a Christian, we should conclude that, as under 
the eye of his Judge, he had endeavored faith- 
fully to fulfil all his duties. 

? The fall he left the state of New- York, the 
churches, many of them, enjoyed the rich effu- 
sions of the Holy Spirit. This Spirit had been 
shed down on him, and to some extent pervaded 
his soul. Its influence was felt by all about 
him. A Sabbath morning concert was estab- 
lished at his suggestion — also a Thursday even- 
ing prayer meeting. In the revivals which took 
place he acted a conspicuous, intelligent, and 
active part. The condition of impenitent men 
awakened the deepest emotions of his soul. He 
faithfully labored and earnestly longed and 
prayed for their salvation. 

" The impulse he gave to Sabbath schools is 
now experienced throughout all the destitute 
neighborhoods in this vicinity. 



LIFE OF J. W. FAKPv. 



" A T o one here who was acquainted with Barr y 
b-.it will declare, that he profited by his example 

or instruction, or both." 

Mr. Barr appears to have preserved, in the 
form of a journal, some notices of his early 
religious exercises. This paper has not, how- 
ever, been transmitted to us, and consequently 
the only extract from it which we shall give, is 
the following, derived from the oration above 
quoted. 

" During the life of my mother, and for seve- 
ral years after, I was frequently the subject of 
deep religious impressions. None were perma- 
nent till July, 1823. Then, on a visit to my 
friends, I attended a communion season. This 
day some of my dearest friends publicly joined 
themselves to the Lord. The idea of perhaps an 
eternal separation from them and other friends, 
whom I saw partake of the emblems of their 
Lord, distressed me. 

i { The sermon in the afternoon was from Pro v.. 
1:24 — 27. It was for me. God had long call- 
ed: I had refused. I felt that this was my last 
call. My sins came up before me in dreadful ar- 
ray. I felt myself sinking to ruin. I remained 
about a week in great distress, praying and 
reading the Bible,when for anguish I could do it. I 
found no peace. Despair drove me to the brink 
of self-destruction.* At this period God inter- 
posed, and saved me from executing my horrid 
purpose. A gleam of hope shone across my 



* Sae pag-e 



VI FE OF J. W% BARB. 



39 



wretched souk By degress I was brought to see 
tliat Jesus Christ came into the world to save. I 
trust I was able to cast myself at the foot of his 
t^ross, and cry for mercy. On him alone I trust 
for salvation. In him I find an all-sufficient 
friend." 

In reference to this, Mr. Barr writes: " My 
son and I had been in the habit of free episto- 
lary intercourse, from the time of his commenc- 
ing to work for himself, which was about two 
years previous to his hopeful conversion. His 
letters of that period were interesting, as mark- 
ing his good sense and desire of improvement in 
general knowledge. Some of his letters con- 
tained very graphical and picturesque descrip- 
tions of places and scenery around him. But 
none of this period have been preserved, which I 
now regret. One among them especially, would, 
from its association with an after-circumstance 
in his history, have been quite interesting, I appre- 
hend. It contained a vivid, detailed description 
of Elyria, (a town of Loraine county, just then 
laid out,) with its surrounding scenery; particu- 
larly of the Falls of Black River, in the vicinity. 
At this spot, afterwards, he was assailed by a 
most powerful temptation to self-destruction, 
while agonizing under keen convictions of his 
guilty, lost condition as a sinner against God." 



LIFE OF J. W. BAR&. 



41 



CHAPTER IL 

His Residence at the Theological Seminaries 
of Andover and Princeton. 

Mr. Barr graduated at the Western Reserve 
College, in the autumn of 1830, and soon after 
repaired to Andover, for the purpose of prosecut- 
ing his Theological course, (or a part of it,) in 
that seminary* Previously to this time, the sub- 
ject of the place which it would be best for him 
to select for this purpose, had been, in his father's 
correspondence with him, an occasional topic of 
discussion. While the prepossessions which he 
had imbibed from his associates in study, and 
the inclinations which he had cherished, gave 
young Barr a strong desire to enter the seminary 
at Andover, the predilections of his father had, 
from various considerations, as strongly turned 
in favor of Princeton. 

The existence of such a difference of feeling, 
considering the circumstances in which they 
were placed, was very natural ; and it would 
hardly seem necessary to notice the occurrence. 
As the fact has been publicly mentioned since 
the decease of the son, though obviously with no 
ill intention, the editor deems it reasonable to 
comply with a wish expressed by the father, to 
state his own views and reasons in relation to 
this point. 

On this subject, Mr. Barr observes, that after 
the conversion of his son, " our correspondence 
was increased in its mutual interest, and was 
4 



42 



LIFE OF J. W. BARK* 



still more marked by filial, affectionate confix 
dence, on his part, and of paternal solicitude on 
mine. Without claiming the authority of a pa- 
rent over him, on all cases submitted by him or 
occurring to me, requiring notice, I gave him my 
views freely, fully as I was able, and affection- 
ately leaving the result to his own reflections. 
My reasons for preferring to have my son pursue 
his Theological course at Princeton were, first, 
from principle. I was a Presbyterian minister; 
my son was a Presbyterian elder, (appointed 
such shortly after he went to Hamilton College,) 
and looking forward to the ministry in the same 
church; and whatever may be said or thought? 
about the evils of distinctive sects in the Chris- 
tian world, yet, while they exist in their distinc~ 
ticeness, it is clearly an incumbent duty for those 
who do, or are desirous of exercising the func- 
tions of the ministerial office in any of them, 
that they should make themselves sufficiently ac- 
quainted with those peculiarities, both of doc- 
trine and discipline, adopted by that denomina- 
tion with which they have connected themselves ; 
and to the edification of the members of which, 
they propose or expect, to minister. Now, 
Princeton Theological Seminary was established 
and intended for the express object, (among 
others,) ' to form men for the Gospel Ministry, 
who shall truly believe, and cordially love, and, 
therefore, endeavor to propagate and defend, in- 
ks genuineness, simplicity, and fullness, that 
system of religious belief and practice, which is 
set forth in the Confession of Faith, Catechisms, 
and Plan of Government and Discipline, of the 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



43 



Presbyterian church ; and thus to perpetuate and 
extend the influence of true evangelical piety 
and gospel order.' (Digest, pages 240, 241.) In 
this seminary, then, it is to be expected with con- 
fidence, that a due attention will always be given 
to accomplish or answer this particular design, 
as well as that of all others for which the Semi- 
nary was originally established, and to which 
every professor is solemnly pledged. (Digest, p. 
247.) But this could not, in reason, be expected 
at Andover — a Congregational or Independent 
establishment. As an honest presbyterian, then, 
I did prefer and desire, to have my son pursue 
his Theological course at a Presbyterian se- 
minary. Some regard to consistency of charac- 
ter, also, had its measure of influence in pressing 
this course upon my son. It is very evident, 
both from the word of God and matter of fact, 
that parents and children are so linked together, 
that, speaking generally, their characters rise 
and fall together — reciprocally affecting each 
other. Circumstances, about this period, in the 
course of Providence, had brought my name, as 
a Presbyterian minister peculiarly attached to 
her creed and discipline, somewhat prominently 
before many of the churches. I refer to my 
being present when, and decidedly in favor of 
the ' reorganization' of the Assembly's Board of 
Missions, on its present plan; and shortly after 
acting as an agent to further its operations in 
Ohio; in which service I spent nearly three 
years. I was well aware that numbers, when 
they would learn that a son of mine had gone to 
Andover instead of Princeton, to pursue Theolo- 
gical studies, would be startled, and think it 



44 



LIFE OF J. W. BARK. 



strange, indeed, and be ready to draw concha- 
sioLo unfavorable to us both. I wished that there 
should be no occasion for such remarks or infe- 
rences. Some persons, perhaps, might deem this 
as an imaginary evil, and that it could not occur. 
But I can assure them, from experience, it was 
otherwise. All that I imagined beforehand, on 
this point, was more than realized. 6 How does 
this come? 5 'Why did you allow it?' — with 
other not less astringent questions, assailed my 
ear: some of them neither courteous in time, 
place, or manner* 

" I yielded to his wishes, so. far as to acquiesce 
in his going. I hope it will be distinctly under- 
stood, by what I have already stated, that in this 
matter, i set up no claim of parental authority to 
control. The reasons already noticed, I did 
urge with parental earnestness. To himself, in 
view of all, I left the final decision. While I say 
thus much, on my own account, I would say on> 
his behalf, (if needful,) that although circum- 
stanced as he was, he need not have been so 
anxious for my consent, nor even have asked it, 
unless he thought proper. Yet such were his. 
views of filial duty, and such his filial affection 
and confidence, that he sought and received the- 
consent, as that without which he could not ven- 
ture to go. And painful to us both, as was this 
difference of opinion, it neither abated our affec- 
tion nor changed the character of our corres- 
pondence x I did not, indeed, feel the force of all 
his reasons for going, no more than be feU the* 
force of all mine for not going; and I verily be- 
lieve, still, that in his warm imagination, he- 
attached more importance to certain supposed 



LIFE OF J, W. £ARR. 



45 



advantages, in the prosecution of oriental stu 
dies, than the subject deserved. 

"In conclusion, on this subject, if any one' 
should feel like indulging a reflection on my son, 
for this dissent from the opinion. and wish of a 
parent, I would say with the apostle, 4 Would to 
God that all sons were, both, almost and alto- 
gether, such as he was? with whatever of infir- 
mities he had. The Lord reigneth. The way 
of man is not in himself. I believe, now, the 
Lord had iuc r rk for him to do, in that region, 
the fruit of which will abide in the day of trial. 
Principles, however, remain the' same, whatever 
be the facts." 7 

It is possible, that to some of the readers of this 
Memoir, these sentiments may seem exclusive 
and sectarian; but there is certainly such an 
appearance of sincerity, and of can dor, and good 
feeling, in the statement, as enables one to see 
why the opinions and even the partialities of 
such a father, would have great weight Upon a 
mind so meek, and affectionate, and ingenuous, 
as that of the lamented son. It would be well 
for the church, if the distinct and honest avowal 
of difference of opinion among brethren, could 
always be accompanied with those kind and 
sanctified feelings, which seem to have distin- 
guished both on this occasion. 

On joining the venerable institution at Ando- 
ver, young Barr found himself thrown into a cir- 
cle, where an enterprising, adventurous zeal for 
the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom, had 
long prevailed; and he soon found, also, around 

HHhBI'- 4* 



46 



ilFIT OF J. W. BARB. 



that favored spot, fields of usefulness, suited 
to those habits of active and self-denied effort 
which had been formed daring tlie earlier stages 
of his education. 

Of the impression which he made, and the 
character which he sustained, during the year 
which he spent in that seminary, we have but a 
few brief notices, but they are such as it is de- 
lightful to contemplate. 

In a letter from one of his fellow students, at 
that place, we have received the following no- 
tice : " The clear brother, whose death has left & 
vacancy in the African Mission, was one of my 
most intimate and beloved associates, at Ando- 
ver. One whose ardent, active piety, few 
doubted, but few knew how fully to appreciate* 
I should delight to speak of scenes of self-deny- 
ing labor, in which he engaged while a student,, 
and of his heavenly deportment, but time will not 
permit*'* 

Though the following letter from the Rev. Mr* 
Todd, of Groton, was extensively published, soon? 
after the announcement of Mr* Barr's decease,, 
its insertion here will not be regretted by those 
who love to dwell upon such exhibitions of hum- 
ble and fervent piety. 

" Groton, Mass., Nov. 16, 1832. 

"Very many in this region have laid their 
hands on their mouths, and held their peace, on 
seeing the notice of the death of the Rev. Joseph 
W. Barr. He came here to commence his theo- 
logical studies at Andover; where he staid, I be- 
lieve, two years. I do not remember that 1 have 



LIFE OF J. W. BARK. 



47 



ever known a man, who so soon obtained the 
respect, the confidence, and the deep affection of 
the people of God, as Mr. Barr. He came to 
my house an entire stranger. He was out of 
health, and came and spent a vacation with us. 
And how think you did he spend it? On the 
couch, taking gentle exercise and ' light medi- 
cines?' No. He hired himself out as a car- 
penter, and a better, or a more diligent and faith- 
ful, was hardly ever known. The family where 
he resided can hardly speak of him without tears. 
On leaving us, he carried more of the heart and 
good wishes, and more of substantial tokens of 
confidence from his Christian friends, than if he 
had spent it in any other manner. He carried 
away, too, a good stock of health. 

" While in my study, one evening, I asked him 
to relate to me his Christian experience. He did 
it with such simplicity and humility, that 1 had 
to turn away to conceal my tears. This account 
I wrote down, as soon as he left me, as nearly 
verbatim as possible, and it was published in 
your excellent paper, March 19, 1831, under the 
title of " Fragments in the history of a redeemed 
sinner." I have only to add, that this narrative 
was literally true, and as he gave it to me; and 
I thought it might be interesting to a numerous 
circle of sincere mourners, to know the fact. 

[N. Y. Evangelist.] " J. Todd." 

That Mr. Barr sustained a high and estimable 
character, among all with whom he was conver- 
sant, during his residence at Andover, as well for 
talents and Christian activity, as for warm piety 



48 



LIFE OF J. W. BAKR. 



and correct and studious habits, has been fre- 
quently stated since his death. On transferring 
his connection to Princeton, at the close of his 
first year, he became early endeared to his in- 
structors and fellow-students in that institution, 
and was soon distinguished for the same active 
exertions to promote the good of others, which 
he had before shown. When a few laborers 
from the infected districts, wandered into the 
streets of Princeton, and were there seized with 
the cholera, in its most appalling forms, he was 
one of the first to offer his services, (amidst an 
almost universal panic,) to attend upon the sick 
and dying." " He was," says a correspondent 
of the New-York Mercury, " one of the bright- 
est ornaments of the Theological Seminary at 
Princeton, of superior talents and attainments, 
and withal, of a devoted piety, that made its in- 
fluence felt throughout the entire institution. 1 
well knew Richards, and Parsons, and Fisk; but 
I have known no one in whom the missionary 
flame apparently burnt brighter than in the la- 
mented Barr, over whose early death the church 
now weeps." 



CHAPTER III. 

His Labors in the Cause of Christ, while pro- 
secitting his Studies, as preparatory to the 
Gospel Ministry. 

Young Barr, while he was, as we have just 
seen, during the whole course of his education, 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



48 



full of activity and enterprise in providing the 
means of his own support, and that in ways 
which strikingly illustrated the vigor of his mind 
and the humility of his heart, was equally dis- 
tinguished for the readiness and ardor, with 
which he embarked in every effort by which he 
might promote the spiritual good of others. The 
following letter from his father, will, while it 
carries the narrative down to the period of his 
actually devoting himself to the work of Foreign 
Missions, afford the most satisfactory evidence 
of this assertion. 

Monroe, Butler County, ) 
December 19, 1832. \ 

Rev. and Dear Sir : 

In pursuance of my design to communicate 
some further information, respecting incidents in 
the life of Joseph, I now propose to notice 
something of his labors to promote religious in- 
struction on the Sabbath, and the cause of bene- 
volent institutions, by agencies on their behalf, in 
vacation seasons. I begin with the first : his 
labors on the Sabbath to promote religious in- 
struction. Here I present an extract of a letter, 
written while at Hamilton College, dated May, 
1827; in which he says: "I will give you a 
short sketch of the external manner in which I 
pass the Sabbath. I attend a Bible class at half 
past nine, which continues till the bell rings for 
meeting. I commenced in the class with Gene- 
sis, and find it very interesting; attend sermon 
in the forenoon ; at noon assist in the Sabbath 
school, where we have about 90 or 100 scholars; 



50 LIFE OF J. W* BARK. 

attend sermon in the after part of the day. At 
five. I attend a Sabbath school in a settlement of 
Indians and vagabond whites, about five miles 
distant. I am much pleased with this employ- 
ment of teaching children the first principles of 
the religion of Jesus. I find, also, that it is one 
of the best ways in which I can study the Scrip- 
tures, for my own benefit." And when he re- 
turned to Ohio, and entered the Western Reserve 
College, he took a very active part in Sabbath 
school instructions. 

Mr. Preston, who graduated with him, says, in 
a funeral oration to his memory : " The impulse 
he gave to Sabbath schools, is now experienced 
throughout all the destitute neighborhoods in this 
vicinity" — (Hudson.) There was one which he 
attended, (I believe also formed,) while there at 
college, in a settlement called " Ireland," three 
or four miles from Hudson ; in which he took a 
deep interest, as appears from letters now in my 
possession, written to him by different correspon- 
dents in the college, giving, in answer to his in- 
quiries, some interesting accounts of the school, 
and of the affectionate regard in which he was 
held by the scholars there.* And when at An- 
dover, the summer of 1831, his Sabbaths were 
similarly occupied. He thus notices the subject, 

* I hud intended, when I wrote the foregoing-, to for- 
ward some of the letters containing the statements al- 
luded to; but upon a re-perusal of them, found so much 
— for there are five or six letters — on the subject, and, 
also, so mingled with other matters, interesting to my 
son, but not sufficiently so, I imagine, as to appear in 
public account, worthy of notice. 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR* 51 



in a letter : " I have the superintendence of the 
West Parish Sabbath school, consisting of be- 
tween two and three hundred scholars. I feel 
that it is an arduous and responsible station, and 
that I need much grace to exert that salutary in- 
fluence which a superintendent ought, to exert, on 
so large a school. I know not what God has in 
store for us. Some two or three scholars, and 
one or two teachers. , not pious, are serious. I 
ask your prayers for myself and school, that 
God would bless us with the out-pouring of his 
Spirit." God was pleased to crown his labors 
with a blessing, while yet on the spot. Thus he 
writes on the subject, just after his arrival at 
Princeton : " Since I wrote last, I have passed 
through some interesting scenes. Before I left 
Andover, God in mercy began to revive his 
work in the Sabbath school, under my superin- 
tendence, and in the parish with which it was 
connected. As the pastor's [Rev. S. Jackson] 
health was feeble, he invited me to spend my 
vacation with him. I did so. After the first 
week, he was entirely laid aside from labor, and 
placed under the care of physicians in Boston, 
with a pulmonary affection. From that time, 
the labor and anxiety of conducting an interest- 
ing revival devolved upon me. I daily visited 
from house to house, and held meetings for 
prayer and conference, every evening in the 
week, in different neighborhoods. When I left 
last week, between sixty and seventy were re- 
joicing in hope, and probably more than thirty 
were still anxious. The work seemed to increase 
instead of diminish. It was no small trial to my 



52 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



feelings, to leave that people, as I did, like sheep 
without a shepherd. But the Great Shepherd 
will take care of his flock, and He knoweth his 
sheep. This is my joy. I have reason to be- 
lieve that God honored me as an instrument of 
good to some souls; and it is an unspeakable 
privilege, of being simply an agent in accom- 
plishing God's purposes of mercy towards sin- 
ners. If 1 know my heart, to be a co-worker 
with God in redeeming our guilty world from 
moral darkness and death, is the highest honor 
I covet on earth. During several weeks past, I 
have attended the inquiry meeting, where I have 
met from forty to sixty anxious souls. If there 
is a condition on earth where a man will feel his 
own weakness, it is in such meetings, when 
called to answer the momentous question, "What 
shall I do to be saved," asked by souls who feel 
they are lost* Labor and anxiety have worn on 
my health, and for ten days before I left, I felt 
myself failing very fast. My journey here, 
which was remarkably pleasant, has relieved me 
much; and I hope, in the course of a few days, 
to be able to resume my studies with a good de- 
gree of interest." 

The Rev. S. C. Jackson, minister, then confined 
in Boston, in a letter to my son, dated October 
24, 1831, says: " When I shall return to Ando- 
ver is an entire uncertainty. Brother Barr, 
what shall I do when you are gone? I am 
pained by the thought ; and yet it is wrong. If 
God has disabled me, he knows why; and surely 
he can do his work without me. I shall try to 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



53 



feel at ease and trust in God. Be assured, both 
of regard and gratitude from yours," &c. 

In one written, about the same period, by 
Mrs. Jackson, is the following language: " We 
were gratified by the reception of your letter yes- 
terday. We feel grateful to you for so long 
and circumstantial a one. And we rejoice to 
hear that divine influences are still abroad, and 
extending among our dear people. May they 
continue to spread, and enlighten, and sanctify, 
till every soul is gathered into the fold of the 
Great Shepherd. We feel that it has been a 
kind and merciful Providence, which has given 
us your labors so long at this critical time. 

" Mr. Jackson feels a personal obligation to 
you, for your kind and arduous efforts for the 
salvation of his people, which he cannot express. 
Dear friend, suffer one word of counsel about 
your health. Don't labor so hard as to injure 
that precious possession. Look at your dear 
friend, and behold the effects of over-exertion. 
With gratitude and affection, your friends," &c. 

During the spring vacation at Andover, hk 
circumstances required that he should work at 
his trade for wages. He was employed by a 
Mr. Row, of Groton, Massachusetts, who, pre- 
vious to th'i vacation, thus writes in answer to 
my son's application to him : " I am not now 
certain where I shall want your services; but 
you may come to Groton, and I will find work 
for you. If I have any hands in Dunstable 
while you work for me, my calculation is to 
have you make one of them ; in the hope, that 
5 



54 LIFE OF J. W. BARRi 

you may be an instrument of good in that moral 
waste." 

Concerning the results of the above " calcula* 
tion," all I know is contained in the following 
letter, written by the Rev. J. Spaulding, of 
Athens, Ohio, but then on a visit to New Eng- 
land; and who had, it would seem, spent a short 
time in Dunstable. The date is July 19, 1631. 
" Dear Brother Barr, — By request I give vol; a 
hasty line, to say — 1st. That this people are in 
an interesting state of religious feeling; seven- 
teen attended the inquiry meeting, on Sabbath 
evening last — 2d. That next Sabbath they will 
be destitute of a minister, and owing to their pe- 
culiar circumstances, they very much need help 
— and 3d. That they want you. Can you come] 
Yes. Take the 3 o'clock stage to Lowell. Be 
at the stage-house, near the canal village, where 
Frye's tavern used to be, and some one will meet 
you with a carriage. On Monday morning they 
will carry you back in season to take the 7 
o'clock stage for- Andovef ; pay all expenses; 
and if not now, will, by and by, further reward 
you, not only for this, but for favors already re- 
ceived. They are aware, that the 4 powers that 
be' will not allow you to preach. I would not 
attempt it. Take the best sermon you can find. 
Read it over till it is familiar. Then read and 
talk, and talk and read to this people. The 
people wish to have you come, as they are ac- 
quainted with you. Come, if possible; if not, 
send some brother, who is * a good man and 
true.' Some one will meet you, as specified 
above." 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



55 



The foregoing notices shew, what I believe 
was the fact, that it was his constant aim, to " do 
good as he had opportunity." Probably from 
other sources of information, you will receive 
additional notices of the same character. I shall 
now notice his exertions to promote the object of 
benevolent institutions. I have lost a letter of his 
giving an account of his services in going over 
nearly the whole of Cuyahoga County, to ascer- 
tain and supply the destitute with a bible. This 
was done, I believe, at the request of the Bible 
Society for that county — particulars, for the rea- 
son stated, / am not able to give — but his labors 
were arduous. In the spring of 1 829, under date 
of April 19, he writes, " I have been employed 
five weeks in the Sabbath school business. I 
have visited the counties of Geauga, Ashtabula, 
and Trumbull, and assisted in organizing a Sun- 
day School Union in each. In my journeyings 
I have met with a good many of your old friends, 
both ministers and others, all of whom wished, to 
be remembered to you, but their names are too 
numerous to mention. The Sabbath school 
cause is exciting more and more interest on the 
Reserve. Better than two hundred dollars have 
already been sent on to New- York city for books, 
and I think it probable, that four or five hundred 
more will be sent before next month is out. I have 
collected some interesting facts, while absent, and 
I wish to get still more. I wish to publish in our 
religious paper here, (Hudson) an account of the 
first Sabbath School on the Reserve. So far as 
I can learn, this was one that you established in 
Euclid, of which I myself was a member. I 



56 



LIFE OF J. W. BARK. 



wish you, if you can, to send me the time when it 
commenced, together with the circumstances 
which led to it, &c. &c." He performed the 
above tour of five weeks, entirely, I believe, on 
foot, at a season of the year when traveling is 
generally the worst of any other — being in the 
month of March and beginning of April. In re- 
lation to the first Sabbath school established on 
the Reserve, I believe the fact to be as my son 
supposed, at least I had no knowledge of any 
then in existence, nor for some time after, any 
where in the Reserve, though it is possible there 
might have been. I was excited to it, from read- 
ing in some of the religious periodicals of that 
time, accounts of Sabbath schools, and their ef- 
fects; and being exceedingly desirous to promote 
the spiritual benefit of the young. I engaged 
with much fear and trembling in the spring of 
1817, in this work. My fears arose very much 
from my ignorance of the way to conduct 
them. I could not find a single person, then and 
there, that had ever seen one in operation; few, 
very few, had heard of them. Even in those 
parts of the country eastward, where they were 
in operation, there was no uniform mode of pro- 
ceeding. No books particularly to assist — no 
libraries, &c. &c. I felt afraid of going wrong, 
but I could not forbear. The school was estab- 
lished, prospered, was beneficial. I have reason 
to believe a considerable proportion of the dear 
youths, that first entered and received instruc- 
tion there, have since made a profession of faith 
in Christ, in different denominations of Christians. 
How much use, or whether any, the Lord was 



LIFE OF J. W. BARB. 



57 



pleased to make of the instructions then given, 
to produce this result, that day will declare it, 
" when he that soweth, and he that reapeth shall 
rejoice together." After carrying qn the school 
for two summers, I removed to another part of 
the country. 

The next service of this kind, of which I have 
any particular notice, is given in the following 
letter, which, as it was written previous to his 
having any view to go to Africa or any where else, 
as a missionary, at the early period afterwards 
contemplated — and as it contains sentiments ex- 
pressed, calculated to show the spirit of the man, 
I shall present entire. 

" Princeton, July 3, 1832. 
" My dear Father: — I ?5turned a few days since, 
from a very laborious agency in behalf of the 
American Tract Society. I was happy to find 
a letter from you here on my arrival. It alwavs 
gives me pleasure to hear from you, but worn 
out both in body and in mind, it was refreshing 
to my spirits to receive your letter. I thought of 
home a great many times during my agency, and 
wished I could sit down in your dwelling, be it 
what kind it may. In the course of six weeks I 
traveled between four and five hundred miles, 
mostly on foot, delivered thirty-four addresses, 
and collected $825 00. Since my return I have, 
not been able to do much at studying j as I feel 
exhausted in body and mind. I trust my agen- 
cy will have a happy influence on the churches 
I visited. My principal object was to obtain 
funds for foreign distribution. This gave me an 
opportunity of pleading the cause of the heathen 
5* 



5* 



LIFE OF J. W. BARS. 



world. You will probably have learned from the 
public journals, that the Cholera, that scourge of 
nations, has commenced its ravages in the city 
of New- York. As Princeton is situated on the 
great thoroughfare from New- York to Philadel- 
phia, I expect it will be here in its march south- 
ward. It bids defiance to precautions. I feel no 
alarm, although I well know that I may be pen- 
ning my last letter to you. The path of duty is 
the path of safety; and if I am to fall a victim to 
this " destruction that wasteth at noon- day," I 
had rather fall where duty seems to call. [In 
this respect his desire was granted.] Some of 
the students are panic struck, and are preparing 
to go home, although with some, it is much far- 
ther off than mine. He who would be prepared 
to go to the heathen world, must be ready to 
meet dangers and death in many forms. I do 
not feel that I have that preparation which every 
Christian should have — still I endeavor to real- 
ize that life is very uncertain; especially to the 
missionary of the cross ) and that I should be in 
constant preparation for death. If spared, I de- 
sign to visit my friends in the west before I leave 
this country, if permitted the high privilege of be- 
ing a missionary . The idea of being separated 
from them during my earthly pilgrimage, is try- 
ing to flesh and blood. But the promise is, 
that as our day is, so shall our strength be. God 
can, and I doubt not will, enable both them and 
me, to acquiesce cheerfully in whatever may 
seem to be duty. It is a delightful thought that 
we are all in God's hands. If I am destined to 
be a herald of salvation to some dark spot of Asia, 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



59 



or of Africa, I shall not die with the Cholera at 
Princeton. I expect to obtain license in the fall. 
A small congregation within five miles of Prince- 
ton, wish me to preach to them next year on the 
Sabbaths — pursue my studies here in the Semin- 
ary as usual, and preach one sermon on the Sab- 
bath, and deliver a lecture in some of the school 
houses in the afternoon, or evening. I have not 
yet concluded what is duty — shall consult Dr. 
Alexander shortly about it. Love to mother and 
all the little ones. I hope you will write soon. 

"Your affectionate son, 

"J. W. Barr." 

Less than two months elapsed from the time 
that Mr. Barr suddenly broke off his studies at 
Princeton, to embark in the African enterprise, 
till his earthly prospects and labors were termin- 
ated by the stroke of death. That this brief sea- 
son for pleading the cause of Africa was diligent- 
ly improved; and that wherever he journeyed, or 
tarried for an hour for repose or on business, he 
brought this all-absorbing topic before the minds 
of those with whom he conversed, he has left the 
fullest and the most impressive evidence. His de- 
sire to improve to this great end the few days for 
which the mission was to be detained at Norfolk, 
prompted him to undertake that excursion in 
which he was arrested by the fatal pestilence, 
and so unexpectedly removed to a better world. 



60 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



CHAPTER IV. 

His consideration of the subject of Foreign 
Missions, and his determination to become a 
Missionary to the Heathen* 

Whatever diversity of opinion may exist, as to 
the ultimate tendency of the establishment of 
Theological Seminaries, on the interests of cor- 
rect and sound Biblical and Theological know- 
ledge; and the provision of a sound, devoted, 
and useful ministry; there can be little doubt th.it 
the institution of them in this country, has been 
singularly contemporaneous with the rise and 
diffusion of the spirit of Foreign Missions, in the 
American church. Nor is there any thing sur- 
prising in this result. Many an ardent young 
man, while engaged alone, or nearly so, in his 
Theological studies, may have felt such desires 
on the subject of the gospel's universal dissemi- 
nation, as would have ripened into a settled de- 
termination under g other circumstances, but has 
suffered them to die away, in consequence of the 
want of a free access to the sources of informa- 
tion and excitement, and the mutual counsels 
which such institutions usually contain. When 
a large number of candidates for the sacred 
office, are thus brought together into close and 
constant communion, they may not only impart 
warmth and. energy to each other, and propa- 
gate every salutary impulse with great rapidity, 
but by their united counsels, devise plans and 
systems of doing good to the world, which wou'd 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



61 



not otherwise have been seriously contemplated. 
The highest commendation which can be passed 
upon the seminaries at Andover and Princeton, 
is a recurrence to the extent to which they have 
identified their early and progressive history 
with this great enterprise; and it is gratifying to 
perceive that some of the younger institutions of 
this kind, are following in the same path. If the 
genuine spirit of missions to the heathen, shall 
continue to be sustained and extended in these 
schools of the prophets, their rise will, in the 
American church, mark one of the brightest 
aeras since apostolic times. 

On the sincere and ardent mind of Mr. Barr, 
the claims of the perishing heathen had made a 
strong impression, at an early period after his 
hopeful conversion ; and he was, therefore, pre- 
pared, on connecting himself with these institu- 
tions, to impart a warmth and animation to their 
missionary circles, as well as to be improved 
and quickened by their influence. The only 
account of the origin and progress of his reflec- 
tions as to personal duty, which we possess, is 
contained in his first letter to us, in which he 
states, that " his mind has been directed to the 
subject for more than eight years;" and in the 
following letter from his father, which we pub- 
lish entire. 

Monroe, Butler County, Ohio, ( 
December 25, 1832. \ 

Rev. E. P. Swift: 

Rev. and Dear Sir, — I shall proceed to notice 
in connection, the steps, so far as I am in pos- 



62 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



session of them, if I may so speak, by which he 
was led onward to his finally engaging in mis- 
sionary services. 

The following extracts will show how his 
mind was occupied on the subject of Foreign 
Missions. The first is from a letter dated Ando- 
ver, October 5th : " Last Sabbath evening I took 
tea at Mr. Flint's, where Obokiah lived several 
months; and, on the same evening, attended con- 
ference in the school-room, where Gordon Flail, 
Mills, Parsons, and Fisk, used to attend. It seemed 
like standing on holy ground. I was not a little 
affected with the associations that were awak- 
ened." 

I knew previously that his mind strongly 
leaned toward the heathen. Nothing, however, 
very distinct or explicit had hitherto passed be- 
tween us on this topic. I was not at home for 
several months, (being on an agency,) after the 
letter containing the above extract came to hand. 
About the time I returned, I received one from 
his brother, residing at Cleveland, in which he 
informed me, that Joseph, in a letter to his bro- 
ther-in-law, Samuel W . Dille, had intimated his 
purpose of giving himself to some missionary 
institution, for their disposal. This induced me, 
in my next to him, to notice this point in the 
manner following : " John mentioned, that in a 
letter to Samuel, you intimate your intention of 
giving yourself to some missionary institution. 
Is it your purpose to do so before you go through 
your regular course? I could not, from the pass- 
ing notice in John's letter, gather your intention 
fully; yet I was inclined to infer it was so, as 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



63 



John noticed, that for want of funds you were 
difficulted in procuring books necessary to pursue 
your course. I know that, not unfrequently, 
circumstances in providence compel to a course 
we did not originally intend to adopt. I hope, 
however, you may do nothing rashly in this 
matter. In my view, there is scarcely any thing 
demanding of more calm, deliberate, and prayer- 
ful consideration, than that of an individual de- 
voting himself to missionaiy services among the 
heathen. 4 Sit down and count the cost.' Are 
you willing, are you able to encounter and en- 
dure, for the sake of Christ and souls, what 
must, in a greater or less degree, be endured by 
every missionary to the heathen. May the Lord 
of the harvest direct you. Your affectionate 
father." 

Not being distinctly apprised of his real views 
or design, I wrote the above, for two reasons: 
In the first place, I did not think it wise or pru- 
dent, to determine positively at that early stage 
of his theological course, even on the general 
question; much less, to fairly commit himself, 
by any kind of pledge to the call of any existing 
missionary society then in our land. Secondly, 
I had some faint hope, that by the time his theo- 
logical course would be closing, the Presbyterian 
church, as sack, would, in some form or other, 
engage in the work of Foreign Missions ; and, in 
this event, it was my ardent desire, that my son 
should go forth as one of ker messengers, to pro- 
claim glad tidings of great joy among the per- 
ishing heathen. 

I know that by some, my views and senti* 



64 



LIFE OF J. W. BARK. 



merits are, and will be called exclusive and sec- 
tarian. But what is it to be sectarian? Is a 
decided preference of, and honest attachment to, 
one denomination in distinction from others, 
while yet those others that hold the " Head" are 
charitably viewed as members of Christ's body, 
sectarian? — then am I sectarian. And if it is 
" exclusiveness," to sincerely desire that every 
distinctive sect be permitted to peaceably adhere 
to their own views and discipline, free from inno- 
vations, whether by force or fraud, from others 
— then am I an exclusionist. 

The next notice I had, is in a letter from him, 
dated Groton, Mass., May, 1831; ia which he 
thus replies to an inquiry of mine : "J have seen 
the resolutions of the Baltimore presbytery, &c; 
and I am very much gratified to see the Presby- 
terian church awakening up to the subject of 
missions. The example of the Baltimore pres- 
bytery has been followed by the presbytery of 
Philadelphia. You ask : Shall I, a presbyterian 
elder , become a presbyterian missionary? Per- 
haps I may. But, I confess, I am nearly sick 
and tired of hearing some say, I am of Apollos, 
and others, I am of Paul. I not unfrequently 
wish myself in some dark, obscure corner of our 
guilty world, where I might preach Jesus and 
him crucified, to my dying fellow men, without 
hearing of wars, martial, political, or religious. 
If I am only permitted to labor among the be- 
nighted heathen, I care not what they call me^ 
'tis all the same thing. The object is what I 
want to look at : preaching the gospel to every 
creature" 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



65 



My son was much distressed with the divisions 
existing, and seeming to increase, in the Presby- 
terian church ; and, as his mind was strongly 
drawn towards the heathen world, he labored to 
avoid entering into, or taking any part in the 
religious controversies going on. In his situa- 
tion, and with his views, it was doubtless best for 
him not to be diverted from giving his undivided 
energies to the momentous object before him. 

In a letter, dated Princeton, December, 1831, 
noticing that a missionary spirit was on the in- 
crease in the seminary, he adds: " I am rejoiced 
to see that a missionary spirit is beginning to 
spring up in the Presbyterian church. Our de- 
nomination has too long slumbered over the 
wants and cries of a dying* world. It is time, 
and high time, she should awake and do some- 
thing. I rejoice to see them devising ways in 
which they can do something for the heathen. 
What will be the result of the Foreign Missionary 
Society of the Synod of Pittsburgh? Will that 
subject be brought before the General Assembly 
next spring] There is one subject which now 
agitates my mind a good deal, and in reference 
to which, I would earnestly ask an interest in 
your prayers. It is the delicate and momentous 
subject of matrimony. Should I go to the hea- 
then, as I hope the Lord will send me, it is time 
I should know who would be my companion in 
labor, and participator in my joys and sorrows. 
I feel that- this is a subject of deep importance, 
not only to myself as an individual, but to the in- 
terests of missions. It takes hold on eternity, 
I am under no engagements. I remember the 
6 



66 



LIFE OF J. W. BARS. 



inscription on mother's tombstone, and often 
lately have repeated that expression on it, 4 A 
prudent wife is from the Lord;' and I hope I feel 
it in some measure." 

In March 1832, he wrote as follows: " Dear 
and affectionate Father, — Your interesting letter 
of last month, I received in due season, but as I 
had just written to you an account of my visit to 
Philadelphia, [he had spent two weeks there, as a 
city missionary,] I have not hastened to answer 
it. I should be happy, indeed, to come and 
spend my summer vacation with you, were it in 
my power, but there is no rail-road running 
from here to Cincinnati and Monroe; and if 
there was, my empty purse would present an 
insurmountable barrier to my visit. Having de- 
cided, as I trust from a sense of duty, to spend 
my days in some heathen clime, if it is the will 
of the great Head of the church, I feel desirous 
of enjoying the society of my friends before I 
leave my native soil. And never did they appear 
so near to me, as since I have come to the de- 
termination of leaving them, probably never to 
see any of them again, till we meet with an as- 
sembled universe around the judgment-seat of 
Christ. In a walk, the other day, I was think- 
ing about you and the family, especially those 
who give no evidence of having an interest in 
Jesus Christ; and my feelings almost over- 
whelmed me. If I could but believe that all our 
family were truly pious, and r»'ould finally meet 
where sin and sorrow vvilbforever cease, I could 
think of the separation with comparative calm- 
ness: though, even then, the thought of never 



LIFE OF J. W. JBAR3. 



6? 



seeing each other on earth would be painful. 
Where I shall labor in the missionary field, I 
know not. What would you think of my going 
to Central Africa, under the Board of Pittsburgh? 
One brother here is now accepted by that Board, 
and expects to go to Africa. He would be glad 
to have me conclude to go with him. My own 
feelings lead me to South America, or Southern 
Asia. I believe, however, I am willing to go 
even among the Hottentots. I trust the Lord 
will direct rne to the proper field." 

Early in August he wrote, requesting my 
prayers and counsel in regard to the proposal 
made to go out on an exploring mission to Afri- 
ca, under your Board, in the following manner : 
" Princeton, August 11, 1832. My Dear Father, 
—While the i pestilence that walketh in darkness 
and the destruction that wasteth at noon-day,' is 
destroying its "hundreds and thousands around 
me, I am still permitted to enjoy good health. 

" There have been five or six deaths in Prince- 
ton by the cholera; none of the citizens; all 
laborers from the canal. I watched with one of 
the poor fellows one night. He suffered much; 
symptoms such as you have seen described in 
the reports of physicians, in the public journals. 

" The pestilence is less destructive in New- 
York now than formerly, but is increasing in 
Philadelphia. It is also quite severe in Trenton, 
in this state. But I leave this subject for the 
more important one of missions. The moral 
pestilence of sin, which is making such wide and 
fearful ruin among our fellow men, is worse than 
the cholera. No medicine can cure the latter; 



68 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



but for the former, we have in the gospel a sove- 
reign remedy; and Christians have been com- 
manded by the great Physician of souls, to carry 
it to all who are infected with the disease. But 
how negligent have they been in obeying this 
command ! 

" 1 Millions there are, on heathen ground, 
Who never heard the gospel's sound.' 

" It may be, that the course you suggest is the 
best, and perhaps the only one which will ever 
awake the Presbyterian church to action as a body, 
and in its distinctive character: That of young 
men devoting themselves to carrying the gospel to 
the heathen, and then calling on the Presbyterian 
churches to support them. I frankly confess, I 
do not think that I am qualified for a reformer 
in the Presbyterian church, on the subject of 
missions. 

" I may still see and feel it to be my duty, to 
engage under the Board at Pittsburgh. They 
think of sending a mission to Africa. One bro- 
ther in this seminary has given himself up to 
their direction, who expects to go to Africa. He 
has often been at me, to accompany him. Dr. 
Alexander has several times hinted to me, that I 
had better go there. Several days since, Bro- 
ther Pinney, (who is the one who thinks of go- 
ing to Africa,) gave me a letter from the Rev. E. 
P. Swift to read, respecting their operations and 
his going to Africa. I remarked to him, that 
the Board had better send out two missionaries, 
as explorers of Africa, who could select a field 
and make a report of what was necessary. Af- 



LITE OF J. W. BASE* 60 

ter examining the country and selecting sites of 
missionary stations, they might return or not, 
just as it was deemed best. To-day, Brother 
Pinney came to me with the question, whether 
I would be willing to become one of those explo- 
rers, provided the Board approved the plan. He 
stated that he had seen both Dr. Miller and Alex- 
ander, who thought that, the very best plan the 
Board could adopt. This deputation, they think, 
had better be sent this fall, or early next spring; 
or rather, at the time when it is considered most 
healthy along the coast. A letter has been de- 
spatched to the American Colonization Society, 
to ascertain this point. Now, what must I say 
or do, in reference to this subject? God has 
given me a robust body; sound constitution; some 
decision, perseverance, and energy of character. 
This course will bring the subject directly before 
the Presbyterian churches. They will have an 
object to look at. Ought I to go, provided the 
measure meets the concurrence of the Board? 
It has brought the subject up before my mind, 
more as a reality than ever before. Of course, 
I cannot decide at once. I must have some time 
to pray and think over the subject, and consult 
with judicious friends. I am glad to have this 
early opportunity of laying the subject before 
you, for advice and consideration. I hope you 
will not fail of answering me immediately. If 
it should seem to be duty, I think I shall rejoice 
to go; not doubting but the grace of God would 
enable me to bear all the trials which it would 
subject me to. Oh for wisdom from on high to 
guide me! 

6* 



70 



LIFE OP J. Wi BARK* 



" Should I see it my duty to go to Africa soon, 
I shall expect, (Deo volente,) to spend a few 
weeks at home first. Your affectionate son." 

Before, however, (after the receipt of his,) 1 
could answer it, I received the following, dated 
September 5th, 1832. "Dear and affectionate 
Father, — J have been looking with some anxiety 
for a letter from you, for some days past, but it 
has not yet come. I send this line to inform 
you, that circumstances have transpired which I 
suppose will throw me once more into a father's 
arms, in a few days. In a communication 
received this week from the Missionary Board of 
Pittsburgh, I received the intelligence that if I 
would consent to go to Africa, they would send 
an exploring mission this fall. After seeking 
Divine guidance, and consulting my professors, 
who were unanimous in the opinion that I had 
better go, I have written to the Board that I will 
accept of their proposals, and go, if no other 
obstacles opposed than I knew of then. I expect 
now to be in Pittsburgh next week, on my way 
home; shall only be able to spend a few days with 
you. But then I go with the expectation of return- 
ing, after having explored that dark and benighted 
country. I trust our heavenly Father will pre- 
pare us both for meeting, and for separating. 
' His grace will be sufficient for us.' Unless . 
something special occurs, I shall probably be at 
home about the 19th or 20th. I need not ask an 
interest in your prayers. I believe I have, and 
will especially have them, in view of what seems 
now before me. I should have been exceedingly 
glad to have had your prayers and counsels, 



XIFE OF J. W. BARR* 



while I was deciding so momentous a matter. 
But that was impracticable, under existing cir* 
cumstances. And, I trust, when you come to 
see and hear all the case, you will also approve 
the course I have taken* Your affectionate 
son." 

You, my dear friend, know that I had already 
approved of it; # although it seemed as though it 
would separate us sooner than had been anti- 
cipated. 

In reply to an inquiry from Mr. Pinney, and 
in a letter in which the name of Mr. Barr was 
mentioned, the Executive Committee stated, that 
if Mr. Barr should conclude to become his asso* 
ciate in the African expedition, arrangements 
would be made to despatch the mission early in 
the following autumn. This fact not only ex* 
plains a passage in the foregoing letter of Mr. 
Barr to his father, but accounts for the prompt- 
ness with which, in the following letter, his con- 
clusion was announced to the Committee. 

Princeton, Sept. 5, 1832. 

Rev . and Dear Sir: 

The conclusion of your Board, in reference to 
sending a mission to Africa this fall, was laid 
before me on Monday last. It placed me in a 
peculiarly solemn and trying situation. Should 

* Allusion is here made to a letter on the subject, 
previously received from Mr. Barr, in which his appro- 
bation of such a course was exprer^M, 



72 



LJFE OF J. W. BAHB. 



I conclude to accept the proposition and go with 
r Pinney, I must break up all my present 

plans, Forego the advantages of a year's prepara- 
tion for the work of missions, which I felt I 
needed, and which I had designed to obtain, — 
leave my friends and country with only a few 
weeks' notice, and engage in an arduous, respon- 
sible, and, in some degree, hazardous mission. 

On the other hand, should I not conclude to 
go, the operations of your society would be re- 
tarded another year; the churches having no 
specific object to look at and arouse them, would 
still slumber; and a dark, benighted continent 
remain still longer without the gospel. Need I 
say, there was a struggle in my bosom? 

After seeking Divine direction and consulting 
my professors, I have decided to offer myself to 
your Board. In doing this, I act in accordance 
with the unanimous opinion of my respected and 
beloved instructors, as well as with what seemed 
to be the teachings of God's Spirit on my owa 
mind. I have not had an opportunity of con- 
suiting my honored father, on this particular 
question. I know, however, his feelings towards 
your Board, and in respect to my engaging in 
the work of missions. So that I suppose it will 
be in accordance with his views of my duty in 
this case, however trying it may be to his feeU 
bigs to give his son up so soon. I shall write to 
him to-day. 

After consulting Drs. Alexander and Miller, it 
is thought best that I proceed immediately to the 
west and visit my friends. 

I shall, therefore. e;:pect to be in Pittsburgh 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



73 



next week, a day or two after you have received 
this communication; if nothing special should 
occur, probably on the 13th. 

I shall then bring with me testimonials from 
my Professors here. If you wish any others, I 
would refer you to my Professors at the West- 
em Reserve College, Hudson, Ohio. Also my 
Pastor, the Rev. Stephen Peet, Euclid, Ohio. 

As I hope to see you in person soon, I add no 
more, except to ask an interest in your prayers. 
I feel the need of them, Dear Sir, in the work 
before me. 

Your affectionate brother, 

Joseph Barr. 

Rev. & P. Swift. 

When we consider the perilous character of 
this enterprise, and the brief period which could 
be allowed him to remain in this country, if this 
determination was formed, we cannot fail of be- 
ing struck with the devoted zeal and heroic firm- 1 
ness, which led this excellent young man, instant- 
ly to abandon his favorite studies, bid a final 
adieu to his beloved teachers and fellow students, 
and at once engage in the most cheerful and ac- 
tive manner to prepare for his intended voyage 
to Africa. He felt that his Master's business re- 
quired haste, and how intimately connected with 
the moral influence of his character, upon the 
churches and the minds of the young men who 
are to follow him, was this part of his conduct? 
The record of the two last months of his life, com- 
mencing with this prompt decision, will long be, 
It is to be hoped, a blessing to that cause in which 



74 



LIFE - OF J. W. BABR* 



be fell. On leaving Princeton, Mr. Barr was 
handed the following introductory letter to the 
Committee, by one of his venerable teachers, 

Princeton, Sept. 10, 1832. 

Rev. and dear Sir; 

This letter will be handed to you by Mr. Jo* 
seph W. Barr, who has offered himself to your 
Board as a missionary to the interior of Africa* 
He is greatly esteemed among us; and leaves us 
to visit his friends, and prepare for the voyage, 
with the cordial affection, and the fervent pray- 
ers of all the friends of the Redeemer's kingdom, 
who know him. We trust he will prove " a cho- 
sen vessel," destined to bear with a rich blessing, 
the treasures of divine mercy to thousands of the 
perishing heathen. That the great Head of the 
church may graciously preside over your Board, 
and make this, its first enterprise, a rich bless- 
in v to the work], is the unfeigned prayer of, Rev* 
and dear sir, your brother in Christ, 

Samuel Miller. 

The following extracts from letters to the fa* 
ther of Mr. Barr, written after the death of his 
son, are here inserted, not only because they are 
expressive of the sense of his piety and worth 
which was entertained by his fellow -students, 
but because one of them gives a description of his 
last interview with his beloved brethren in the 
Seminary* 



LIFE OF J. W. BAK&i 



Princeton, Nov. 13, 1882. 

jR( : r. dWr /Sir: 

Although it may seem improper for a stranger 
to intrude upon you so immediately after your 
severe affliction in the death of your deeply la- 
mented son, yet I cannot feel as a stranger to- 
. wards you, when addressing you in relation to 
him. He was one in whom I felt a sincere and 
deep interest, and I think that I may truly add, 
that he reciprocated the feeling. Our acquain- 
tance was of but one year's duration, but our 
intercourse, especially for the last few months, 
was frequent and very confidential. We often 
mingled our prayers together for each other's 
welfare, and for the advancement of the great 
cause of our Saviour. We often laid open to 
each other, with all the confidence of brothers in 
Christ, our inmost feelings of hope, or sorrow, or 
joy. W T hen he died I felt, and still feel, as if a 
brother had gone to heaven, and had left me to 
sorrow that I should never see his face again — 
at least not on this earth. May God grant that 
I may be with him in that joyful resurrection to 
which I feel assured his sleeping dust is destined. 
For these expressions of feeling, I need make to 
you no apology. For the affection which I bore 
to him, I have repeatedly, even during his ]i:e, 
prayed God for his holy blessing on your fami- 
ly, and now that he has gone to glory, I cannot 
but feel as if I was not a stranger to you. 
Though, hitherto, you have known me &o% I 
have been in spirit where your spirit has also 
been, by the grave of my friend and your son. 



76 



XIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



We have met there, sir, and of course, we are* 
not strangers. 

My more immediate object in addressing you, 
is to state that it has seemed to many of your 
son's former associates here, that some steps 
ought to be taken immediately,' to improve for 
the glory of our Redeemer, His striking act in 
removing our beloved brother, at such a time, 
and in such a manner. He was known to very 
many students and ministers,, both in the Con- 
gregational and Presbyterian churches. I need 
not add, that to know him was to venerate his 
deep-toned, self-denying, energetic piety — to love 
his amiable character, and to admire the clear- 
ness and vigor of his intellect. He was exten-- 
sively known, and all who knew must have been 
startled and shocked, when they learned that he 
was gone. The churches feel— they feel deeply 
his death— and this feeling must not die away, 
until it ripens into something more than feeling* 
The idea has been suggested of the Society of 
Inquiry on Missions, &c, of this place, preparing 
an obituary notice of his life and character, 
which should be connected with such general 
views and exhortations as would be appropriate ^ 
and that this should be circulated in the name 
and by the authority of the Society through the 1 
country, by means of religious newspapers, &c. 
Measures have been taken by the. Society to 
carry this into effect, and I now write to obtain 
from you the facts necessary for the purpose. 
The utility of the -object is obvious, and it is only 
from his family that we can derive the materials 
requisite to effect it. We wish to have a sketch 



UFE! OF j. \V. BAUR, 



<of his life, together with such particulars of his 
religious history as will be most interesting and 
instructive* The circumstances of his conversion 
are already known to me, he having related 
them, but I would be much obliged to you for a 
detail of them. Especially the particulars of his 
first awakening, in consequence of the remarks 
of one who I think was an elder in the church 
where he worshipped, and also the particulars, 
if you know them, of a fearful temptation he 
endured when under conviction of sin, to dash 
himself down a water-fall near his place of 
residence. 

Accept, Sir, for yourself and family, of the 
sincere respect and sympathy of yours, 

J* Read Eckard. 

Rev. Thos. Barr* 

Princeton, Dee. 14, 18&2. 

Dear Sir: 

I had the honor of being a classmate of your 
son in this Seminary— his death was to us a 
very afflicting event* Our Professors have 
seised upon it, as a means of awakening such 
feelings in the breasts of the students, as the 
peculiar circumstances of his death, and the re- 
lations he sustained to the church as a prospec- 
tive Missionary, are calculated to excite* As I 
am allowed to speak of the dead, I should be 
willing to take upon me the responsibility of 
saying in the name of the students of this 
Seminary, that your beloved Son, was endeared 
to u« all by no common ties. He moved among 
7 



78 LIFE OF J. W. BAKR. 

us like an inspired genius on the subject of 
missions. Many thrilling appeals has he made 
from time to time, many a lervent prayer has 
breathed from his lips.-' I do not speak to 
excite within you a spirit of pride that you had 
such a son. God gave him, and God I cannot 
doubt, has taken him to his heavenly presence. 
Little did we think that he who was the fairest 
and seemingly the healthiest of us ail, was 
so soon to quit the labors of this world—so soon 
to try the realities of eternity. I cannot welt 
forget that tender and most solemn meeting 
which we last enjoyed with our Brother Joseph, 
It was on the morning of his departure— it was 
then I think, or the night before, that Joseph 
arose, and after passing through a few remarks,, 
concluded with something like the following: 
" Brethren, after much deliberation and prayer, I 
have determined upon what seems to me to be 
the path of duty. I go to the work not knowing 
what shall befall me, perhaps my bones are soon 
to lie whitening on the plains of Africa beneath 
some palm tree; perhaps I shall fail before my 
work is scarcely commenced, but I trust in God; 
follow me brethren with your prayers." He was 
called upon to pray by one of the Professors^ 
there was an uncommon flow of feeling in his 
prayer. / wept, though Dot to weeping given,; 
and others too did weep. God bless ©ur brother, 
was our secret prayer, and then we parted- 
Dear Sir, there is mystery in the providence 
of God : though He hold back the face of his 
throne, we are assured that justice and judgment' 
are the habitation thereof; perhaps like Samson 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



79 



onr dear Brother would have slain more in his 
death, than he would have done in a long life — 
it may be the means of awakening a greater 
interest among the people on the subject of 
missions, than would otherwise have been felt, 
and cause them to do far more. 

Dear Sir, I sympathise with you in the loss 
which you mourn, but it is his gain no doubt who 
has been taken from you. Have you not some 
Benjamin that you are willing to give up as a 
martyr in the cause of God? Joseph is gone, 
you will say, and how shall I spare Benjamin 
also? W ell, it is the cause of God, and we should 
esteem it a privilege to give up our friends — but 
I cannot add. May God sustain you in your 
labors of soul. — Farewell. 

Yours in the Lord, 

Silas Billings. 

Rev. Thos. Barr. 



CHAPTER V. 

His last Journey — Ordination — Sickness, and 
Death. 

Agreeably to the intimation given in his last 
letter, Mr. Barr arrived in this city on the 14th 
of September, and spent tw r o or three days in 
conference with the Executive Committee, and 
affectionate intercourse with the friends of mis- 
sions. He brought from his instructors at 
Princeton, the following testimonial; 



80 



LIFE OF J. W\ BARR* 



To the- Executive Committee of the Western 
Board of Foreign Missions. 

Dear Brethren, 

Having understood that Mr. Joseph W. Barr* 
a student of this Seminary, and a licentiate of 
New Brunswick Presbytery, has offered himself 
as a missionary to Central Africa, under the 
direction of your Board, we take pleasure in at- 
testing, that the religious and moral character of 
Mr. Barr is excellent, that his mind is vigorous 
and well balanced, and that his literary and theo- 
logical attainments are highly respectable. 

It is true; his theological course has not been 
completed, but as he has been seriously occupied 
with theological subjects ever since he commen- 
ced a course of liberal education, he has acqui- 
red a maturity in his religious knowledge, 
superior to what is common in our licentiates* 
In our opinion, Mr. Barr is eminently qualified 
to go on an exploring expedition to Africa. He 
enjoys a vigorous state of health, much firmness, 
and energy of mind; and, if we are not deceived, 
will unite, with much prudence, a spirit of activ- 
ity and enterprise. It is no small recommenda- 
tion, that he has been brought up to labor, and 
that the habit of working at his trade, has not 
been entirely relinquished during his academical 
and theological course, 

Mr. Barr is, besides, a good writer, and a man 
whose communications to the Board will be judi- 
cious, and such as will command entire confi- 
dence. We do, therefore, cordially recommend 



LIFE OF J. W. BARK, 



81 



Mr. Barr, as a suitable person to be employed in 
the important mission which is in prospect. . 
With great respect, we are yours, &c. 

A. Alexander, 
Samuel Miller, 
C. Hodge. 

On the Sabbath he preached three times, 
once in each of the churches in the city, and in 
Allegheny town. His solemn appeals in behalf 
of the heathen, delivered in public, and his amia- 
ble manners and ardent piety, in* the society of 
Christians, will long be remembered by many in 
this place; and the prompt and liberal subscrip- 
tions for the African mission which were then 
obtained, bore full testimony to the deep impres- 
sion which was made. The cheerfulness with 
which he spoke of so soon bidding adieu to Ms 
aged father, and a large circle of friends, and ad- 
venturing his life on the arid sands of Africa, 
surprised and awakened admiration in the minds 
of all. His final interview with the Committee, 
was solemn and impressive. 

On leaving us for the residence of his friends 
in the western part of Ohio, the Corresponding 
Secretary transmitted by him the following letter 
to his father, which, on the suggestion of him to 
whom it was addressed, is here inserted. 

Pittsburgh, Sept. 17, 1832. 

My Dear Friend and Christian Father, 

I received your kind letter and should have 

replied to it immediately, if other imperious duties 

. 7 # 



82 



LIFK OF J. W« BAKB. 



had not seemed to prevent, and now some thing* 
referred to in it I must omit, as an entirely new 
and solemn subject occupies my own, and will 
occupy your attention* I refer to the expected 
departure of our beloved young brethren for Af- 
rica, this fall. 

Your dear son has been, in the hands of 
Christ, the instrumental cause of hastening this 
first important movement of our society; and I 
hope it is to be one of vast and lasting benefit to 
the Presbyterian church, and to distant lands. 

I feel a heart truly to sympathize with you, my 
excellent friend, in the prospect of being so soon 
called to part with a beloved child, in so eventful 
and perilous an enterprise; and that to you in 
the decline of life, it will be attended with deep 
sorrow of heart, and a severe trial of your faith 
in Christ, I cannot doubt. The fact that your 
beloved son comes to us with the most satisfacto- 
ry testimonials from those who best know him; 
that on our minds, and the minds of Christians 
in this city, he has made a deep impression of 
Ms qualifications for the work, and strongly in- 
terested our warmest affections, and cannot fait 
of doing so wherever he goes, will no doubt 
gladden your heart as a Christian > but also it 
will add to your grief as a parent , when ne 
comes to be separated from you. In these do- 
mestic sorrows,, these conflicts between the calls 
of Christ, and the strong emotions of parental 
feeling, I would indeed fondly bear a part with 
you, and my prayer is that Jehovah Jesus may 
console and strengthen you, , 

"God % " said a v^nerablcv ; ministerial friewd 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



83 



who is now no more, " God had but one Son, 
tenderly beloved, and he was sent as a mission- 
ary to a distant world, where he knew that the 
mission would terminate in his murderous 
death." Yes, truly, you have in this an exam- 
ple than which there could not exist a higher. 
Will not he who was the sender, and he who 
was sent, remember you for good, when the mo- 
ment of trial comes? If He sent his only Son to 
be received back again, in the fullness of time, 
how soon may you, with open arms, hope to re- 
ceive yours also before the throne of the glorious 
Mediator? Were I writing to one less experien- 
ced in the divine life, I might advert to the brev- 
ity of this separation at furthest — the uncer- 
tainty which hangs over all human joys, and the 
certainty that when you come 'perfectly to know 
the great Master whom we serve — when " faith 
is turned into vision, and hope into fruition," you 
will rejoice that you were permitted to make this 
act of the surrender to him; and rejoice, also, 
that to a beloved son, "grace was given" to of- 
fer himself, " after such a sort," to the work of 
the renovation of the vast continent of Africa. 
To me it appears that this mission is unexampled 
in modern times, for its ultimate consequences 
upon the condition of a large portion of the pa- 
gan world, and I cannot but hope that its results 
upon our church will be most auspicious and 
lasting. 

The two brethren who are to go out, if we can 
judge from what we know and have seen of one, 
and have heard of the other, are just the kind of 
men which we should have been glad to retain 



84 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



in this country for some time, as agents of our 
society. But it seemed on the whole best that 
we should set forward without delay, and the 
consequence is, that we must try to be prepared 
for the first opportunity which may occur .for 
their departure. It is concluded to have the 
ordination take place, (probably in Philadelphia,) 
as early as the middle of October. It would be 
extremely agreeable to us> if you could attend, 
and take some part in that interesting solemnity. 
I hope you will take this subject into considera- 
tion, and if consistent with your arrangements, 
comply with what I doubt not would be the dic- 
tate of your feelings. May the Lord make 
plain, in all respects, the path of duty, and im- 
part grace and strength to follow it with a calm 
and steadfast mind. With much respect and af- 
fection, I am yours, &c. 

E. P. Swift. 

" He reached our dwelling on the day ap- 
pointed," says his father, " on Thursday, the 
20th of September, late in the afternoon. For 
want of information where he got out of the 
stas;e to come home, he walked 12 miles instead 
oC6L 

" His stay was to be so short, and he was so 
anxious to be some how occupied in promoting 
the object to which he was entirely devoted, that 
some of those particular communications were 
omitted which has since been a matter of re- 
gret." 

Young Barr bore to the hand of his father 
the following letter from one of his venerable in- 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



85 



structors, and one who was known by both to 
have taken a deep parental interest in the pros- 
pects of this his beloved pupil. The design and 
the seasonableness of the communication, the let- 
ter itself explains. 

Princeton, Sept. 10, 1832. 

Rev, and Dear Sir: 

The time has arrived which will put your pa- 
rental feelings to a trial somewhat severe. Your 
son Joseph has determined to go on a distant, 
dangerous, and highly important enterprise. It 
was with reluctance that I yielded to the plan of 
his curtailing his theological course by one whole 
year; because I am persuaded that he would 
have made good use of that time in improving 
his knowledge, and laying up stores which 
might be useful in the work of the ministry. But 
the call of his Master to go forth now, seemed to 
be clear; and the truth is, Joseph is better quali- 
fied for the high calling to which he aspires, than 
nine-tenths of those who take this sacred office 
upon them. If the Lord spares his life, I think 
he will become eminent in the missionary field. 
Since he has been with us, we have had no oc- 
casion, less or more, to find fault with him. His 
conduct, as far as we know, has been in all re- 
spects becoming his profession and situation: and 
it affords me unfeigned pleasure to say, that, in 
my opinion, he is sound in the faith. His exam- 
ination on theology, conducted before our Presby- 
tery by President Carnahan, gave entire satisfac- 
tion. 



86 



LITE OF J. W. BARR. 



I have been very cautious about advising 
your son to undertake this expedition, for I know 
it must be attended with extreme danger of life 
and health; but of this he is fully aware, and 
seems to have his heart fortified against every 
fear and every danger. I consider the enterprise 
to be one of the most interesting which can be 
undertaken. It has relation to a whole continent, 
which for centuries has been buried in deepest 
darkness. The young man who is to be the 
companion of your son, and who has exerted 
himself much to induce him to resolve on this 
mission, is a person peculiarly well qualifi- 
ed for such a w 7 ork. He is bold, cheerful, pa- 
tient of labor, and zealous for the conversion 
of the world. May the Lord go with them and 
prosper them! Engage all your pious friends to 
set apart special times of prayer, for the blessing 
of God on this enterprise. 

I am, respectfully, yours, 

A. Alexander. 

" We had," continues Mr. Barr, " an affection- 
ate, and I hope profitable interview. While we 
tried to hope that we might meet again on earth, 
we felt and prayed togethei as though we should 
not. 

" While at home three days, (one the Sab- 
bath,) he preached for me four times — on Friday 
night once, and three times on the Sabbath, in 
three different parts of the society. There was 
a deep interest manifested by numbers in the en- 
terprise on which he was going. Though the 
congregation were small, and were then exerting 



LIFE OF J. W. BARK. 



87 



themselves much to put up a house of worship so 
as to occupy it in the winter, yet they contributed 
$26 with much readiness to aid the object. On 
Monday I went with him to Cincinnati, in which 
city he preached on Tuesday night in Dr. Wil- 
son's church on the subject of missions, and pre- 
sented the African Mission particularly. I have 
good reason for believing that a deep impression 
was made on many present, favorable to him 
and the enterprise to which he was committed. 
On Wednesday the 26th, about 10 o'clock, we 
parted to meet no more in time. He proceeded 
direct to Cleveland, which he reached on Sat- 
urday; and where and in the vicinity he remain- 
ed until in the evening of the 3d of October, 
when he left in the stage for Albany. He wrote 
to me for the last time at 1 o'clock in the morn- 
ing of the 20th, at Philadelphia, which place he 
left at six the same morning, for Norfolk, Vir- 
ginia, expecting to sail for Africa from that port, 
on or about the 25th." 

The compiler met him early on the 11th, on 
board the Philadelphia Steamboat, at New -York, 
and during that day's journey, and the solemn 
anti interesting transactions of the following, (the 
day of ordination,) and his final interview with 
him on the morning of the succeeding one, this 
devoted young man evinced such a cheerfulness 
and even joy, in the near anticipation of the peril- 
ous enterprise for which he was so soon to leave 
his native shores— such firmness of purpose — 
meek humility, and ardent glow of sacred feel- 
ing, as made his society peculiarly instructive 
and profitable. 



88 



LIFE OF J. AV. BAKU » 



On the evening of the 12th, in the presence of 
a large and solemn assembly, he, in connection 
with his associate Mr. Pinney, was set apart by 
the Presbytery of Philadelphia, to the work of the 
holy ministry, in the 6th Presbyterian church. 
The appropriateness and affectionate fervor of the 
exercises of the venerable men who officiated on 
that occasion — -the solemn stillness of the large 
congregation, and the calm and cheerful serenity 
• — ardent affection, and unhesitating steadfast- 
ness of purpose, depicted in the countenances of 
the candidates, will not be soon forgotten. 

Having repaired to the city of New-York, and 
preached twice in different churches on the Sab- 
bath, Mr. Barr, early in the next week, rejoined 
his associate in Philadelphia, and when their pre- 
parations were made, and they had taken an af- 
fectionate leave of their Christian friends in that 
city, they proceeded to Norfolk, Va., the place of 
intended embarkation. The following is an ex- 
tract of his last letter to us. 

Norfolk, Oct. 23, 1832. 

Dear Brother Swift: 

We arrived here to-day, and find the vessel 
will not sail till near the fifth of next month. I 
desired to embark immediately, but the will of 
our Heavenly Father be done. He has some- 
thing, 1 hope, for us to do in the churches yet, 
before we leave. Brother Pinney will state our 
views. 

Dear Brother — I find the preparations for our 
voyage and living in Africa, has buried me al- 



LflPfi OF J. W. BARR. 



89 



most in worldly business. I shall be glad when 
I can set foot on heathen ground: although, I oft- 
en feel very unfit for the arduous work before 
me. And now, dear brother, I ask again an in- 
terest in your prayers. Oh, forget us not — we 
need your prayers. You are not forgotten by 
us — I feel cheerful and happy in anticipation of 
what is before me. Your brother and fellow la- 
borer in the Lord. 

Joseph W. Barr. 

What remains of the sad and affecting termin- 
ation of the earthly career of this excellent young 
man, will best be told by those who were the 
witnesses of the closing scenes. 

The first intelligence of the decease of Mr. 
Barr, was contained in an article immediately 
afterwards published in the Southern Religious 
Telegraph, of which the following is an extract: 

" Another Missionary has fallen! It is our 
painful duty to state, that Mr. Joseph W. Barr 
departed this life, at the residence of Mr. John N. 
Gordon, in this city, last Sabbath, (the 28th ulti- 
mo,) about 3 o'clock, P. M. His death was 
sudden and unexpected. At nine o'clock on 
Saturday night, he was apparently in perfect 
health. — [We passed the evening with him, in 
company with a few friends of missions, who 
felt deeply interested in the enterprise on which 
he was about to embark.] He was slightly in- 
disposed, as he afterwards stated, when he retired 
to his chamber for the night. About one o'clock 
he was taken violently ill of cholera. Able 
WW- 8 



90 



LIFE OF J. W. BARE* 



physicians were immediately called in, and the 
usual remedies administered; but in vain — his 
Lord and master had called for him. The 
progress of his disease was so rapid as to baffle 
the efforts of medical skill — and at 3 o'clock he 
was released from his sufferings, and admitted, 
we trust, into the rest which the Lord has pre- 
pared for his people. 

" It will be consolatory to his distant friends, 
and to the young ministers who were recently 
his fellow students, to know that he appeared to 
be perfectly resigned to this mysterious stroke of 
providence. Though his heart, filled with com- 
passion for the perishing, was fixed on the work 
of missions in Africa, to which he had dedicated 
his life — yet he was willing to leave it and to die. 
He discovered no alarm at the approach and 
near prospect of death. The summons, though 
sudden and unexpected, did not find him unpre- 
pared. On being asked by the writer concern- 
ing the state of his mind, he expressed with 
earnestness his confidence in God and submission 
to his will, adding — " the blood of Chi*ist 
cleanseth from all sin" Here rested his hope 
on the Rock of ages — and it sustained him in the 
hour of trial. He repeatedly expressed the same 
unshaken trust in the Lord, to other Christian 
brethren who attended him during his short ill- 
ness. Death to him was a vanquished enemy. 
In the near view of eternity he could pray in the 
language of the apostle — "Even so, come Lord 
Jesus," &c. 

" The general .distress of body produced by 
his disease, did not cloud or impair the enegries 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



91 



of his mind. While looking to his Saviour for 
support, and to the glories of that world which 
he was about to enter, he did not forget his dis- 
tant friends, nor the attentions of those around 
him. When no longer able to speak aloud, he 
said to the writer, in a low whisper — " I wish, 
while I am able to speak, to express my gratitude 
to my friends here [referring to Mr. and Mrs. 
Gordon,' and the brethren who were with him] 
for their kindness to me;" thus recollecting every 
thing which Christian courtesy might suggest to 
one in health. 

" His funeral was attended on Monday at the 
First Presbyterian Church, at 11 o'clock. The 
Pastor of the Church was absent, having left the 
city a few days since, to attend the meeting of 
the Synod of Virginia. The Rev. Mr. Taylor 
preached a sermon appropriate to the occasion, 
from Rev. 22:20. He which testifieth these 
things, saith, Surely I come quickly: Amen. 
Even so, come Lord Jesus, The words in the 
last clause of the verse, our departed brother had 
used in conversation with Mr. Taylor, on Sab- 
bath morning. 

" We can say little of the life or character of 
our young brother who was sent . here to die — as 
he was not personally known to us till the even- 
ing before his death. He was the son of the 
Rev. Thomas Barr, of Monroe, Butler county, 
Ohio. He pursued his studies preparatory to 
the ministry at the Theological Seminary, 
Princeton, N. J. On the 12th of October, but 
16 days before his removal from us, he and Mr. 
J. B. Finney, a native of Georgia, were 



92 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR 



ordained and set apart for the work of Christ 
among the heathen, by the 1st Presbytery of 
Philadelphia. They had recently been students 
together at the Theological Seminary, and had 
given themselves unreservedly to the Western 
Foreign Missionary Society of the Synod of 
Pittsburgh. They had been appointed, agreeably 
to their own wishes, to explore the interior of 
Africa, with a design of establishing a missionary 
station in such a place as should appear to them, 
after a survey, most favorable for diffusing the 
knowledge of the gospel among the benighted 
tribes of that land. At their ordination, the Rev. 
Dr. Green presided; Rev. Dr. Alexander preach- 
ed on the command of Christ to make disciples 
of all nations; and the Rev. Dr. Miller delivered 
a charge to the missionaries. Arrangements had 
been made for their leaving their country to enter 
upon their work, and they were expecting to 
embark for Africa in the vessel that was to sail 
from Norfolk for Liberia, the present week. 

" Mr. Barr arrived in this city on Thursday 
evening. On Friday he went to Petersburgh, 
and after making arrangements for a public 
meeting in that place, to be held on Tuesday, he 
returned to Richmond. This was on Saturday. 
The same day a notice was inserted in our daily 
papers that he would preach on the Sabbath — 
the day on which he was dismissed from his 
labors to enter into rest. Though he was a 
stranger to our churches — his visit was welcomed; 
and those who became acquainted with him, felt 
deeply interested both in him and the cause in 
which he was enlisted. Already new hopes 



LIFE OF J. W. BARE. 



93 



were awakened for Africa — and the friends of 
missions rejoiced that their brethren of the 
Western Board had obtained for the arduous 
enterprise the services' of one who appeared to 
be so well qualified and prepared for the work. 
How suddenly have these hopes been swept 
away! In a moment the plans of usefulness 
which our brother had formed are destroyed, and 
the benevolent work is interrupted. The Lord 
saw that it was in his heart to accomplish it, and 
discharged him from the service. The purposes 
of Jehovah, in this affecting dispensation, are 
shrouded in darkness, but it becomes the church, 
instead of regarding it as a calamity, or fearing 
that it may be the occasion of delay in the work 
of missions in Africa, to trust in the Lord, be- 
lieving that He, to whom this cause is unspeaka- 
bly dear, is ordering all things wisely for its 
accomplishment. 

" The young missionary, though dead, may yet 
speak to the churches, and plead for injured 
Africa in language which shall awaken many 
from their slumbers, and excite them to call on 
God to sustain and bless the efforts which his 
people make for the salvation of her benighted, 
barbarous tribes. How impressively are the 
Western Board and the friends of missions 
exhorted to enter on this work in the posture of 
earnest prayer. Cease ye from man — God only 
can sustain the cause. The best plans may be 
formed; the best men may be appointed to exe- 
cute them; all things may be prepared for the 
enterprise; but if the church be not instant and 
earnest in prayer to God, taking hold on the 
8* 



94 



LIFE OF J* W. BARR« 



divine promises with a vigorous faith, so that the 
Lord shall direct and sustain her benevolent 
efforts; can the work be effected"? Will not the 
plans be fruitless? 

" When a missionary falls in a barbarous or 
unhealthy clime, how prone is unbelief to regard 
the event as an indication of providence, reprov- 
ing the friends of missions for their imprudence 
in thus rushing into danger! Had our young 
brother as suddenly fallen in Africa, how many 
would have looked at the event as a warning, 
admonishing them to neglect her perishing 
millions, because they cannot live in Africa! 
Has there not been too much fear and false reason- 
ing on this subject? May not such providences 
as this correct the views of many Christians? 
If such men as Cornelius and Barr, men of 
vigorous constitutions and perfect health, and of 
much physical strength, are suddenly cut down 
in places where no fatal disease prevails, shall it 
be thought strange that men die in like manner, 
in Africa, or India, or Western Asia? The ob- 
jections to the cause of missions urged from a 
consideration of the unhealthy climates to which 
missionaries must be exposed, might be answered 
by many facts of this kind." 



Mr. Pinney, immediately on hearing at Nor- 
folk, of the decease of his beloved friend, an- 
nounced it to the Committee i» the following let- 
ter. 



LIFE OF J. W. BARK. 



95 



Norfolk, Va., Oct. 31, 1832. 

Dear Brother Swift: 

We are indeed called to mourn! Our dear 
brother Barr is no more! Last Wednesday he 
went on to Richmond and Petersburgh, to present 
the subject there. I expected his return this 
evening, when, judge of my surprise and grief, 
this afternoon information was brought of his 
death! The Saturday's paper contains a no- 
tice that he was to preach twice on Sabbath. *s» 
The Monday paper gives an invitation to his 
funeral!! We have indeed met with a great 
loss, but without doubt he is enjoying heavenly 
bliss. His was a character to be esteemed, and 
the more I knew the more I loved. But he has 
gone, and we must submit to the divine will. 

The question now arises, what shall I do? 
If you think I should go, which I desire, though 
doubtful of its expediency, by writing at once, 
I may perhaps sail in the Jupiter; or at least, 
can go on to Savannah and sail from there. 

I shall wait here to get a speedy answer from 
the Board. I leave to you the painful task of 
telling his aged Father the afflicting tidings: 
may Jesus sustain him and all of us. 

November 1st. — By a letter received last night 
from Mr. B. Brown, I learn the following par- 
ticulars: " On Friday," (says, Mr. Brown,) " he 
made arrangements for preaching on Sabbath. 
In the afternoon he visited Petersburgh, and 
returned here and dined at Mr. John N. Gordon's. 
I took tea with him, the Rev. Mr. Converse, 
and others, at Mr. Gordon's, Saturday evening. 



96 



LIFE OF J. W. BARK. 



About 9 o'clock, we retired, leaving him, as we 
thought, in good health. Between one and two 
in the morning, he had been vomiting about half 
an hour before Mr. Gordon heard him. Dr. 
Burton (a most eminent physician) came about 
two. At eight, the Dr. said he was purple, and 
that it was a bad case. About three in the 
afternoon, on Sunday, he departed this life. 
Every attention possible was paid him, Mr. G. 
thinks he made a light dinner on Saturday, at 
• which time he ate some sweet potatoes. He was 
composed; did not speak much; was much in 
prayer." 

If I had entertained the least suspicion that the 
Cholera was in Richmond, I should have opposed 
his going there. The Richmond people deny 
that it is there. 

Your afflicted and bereaved brother, 

J. B. PlNNEY. 

Two letters to the afflicted father, the one 
from the Rev. Mr. Taylor of Richmond, and the 
other from the kind family in which he expired, 
will show how much affectionate interest had 
already been awakened in his behalf, among those 
with whom he had an acquaintance of but a few 
hours only. 

Richmond, Oct. 28, 1832. 

Rev. and Dear Sir: 

How precious is the truth, that we have in 
heaven a great High Priest who can be touched 
with a feeling of our infirmities, having been in 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



97 



all points tempted like as we are! A brother, 
indeed, who has learned by experience what it is 
to obey in the midst of sufferings. And how in- 
finitely important that we, who by our office are 
so often called to administer consolation to the 
afflicted, should ourselves be able to sympathize 
with them. But how can this be, unless we 
have tasted of the bitter cup! Nay, how can 
we know how to estimate the bitterness of that 
cup which our Saviour drank off for our sakes, 
unless we have drunk some portion of it our- 
selves? But why should I dwell upon these 
things, when doubtless " the anointing which you 
have received of him abideth in you, and you 
need not that any man teach you, but as the 
same anointing teacheth you in all things." 

Yet, my dear sir, I do feel disposed to linger 
upon these tiuths, before I come to the subject- 
matter of this letter. I now feel regret, that I 
did not take a few moments this morning to 
despatch a letter, announcing the illness of your 
son, that that letter might be a precursor of the 
afflictive intelligence which it is my painful duty 
to communicate in this. Yet, had you not lent 
him to the Lord, to be the instrument of promot- 
ing his glory in any way that his infinite wisdom 
should see fit? Were you not as willing that 
he should go home to his Master from the Ame- 
rican, as from the African shore, if that would 
be the most acceptable method of finishing the 
w r ork which the Lord had given him to do? 
" Even so, Father, for so it seemeth good in thy 
sight." 

The facts which I have to communicate are 



98 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



few. Your dear son, now I trust with Christ, 
arrived in this city on Thursday. After calling 
on some few friends to his particular branch of 
the cause of Christ, he visited me for a few 
minutes, settled arrangements for the services of 
to-day, and on Friday, P. M., went to Peters- 
burgh to make similar arrangements there; re- 
turned on Saturday morning; called on me again 
about sunset, yesterday, (i. e. Saturday); left me 
in apparent good health and spirits. He had 
taken lodgings under the hospitable roof of Mr. 
John N. Gordon, of this city; whose circum- 
stances were such, both as to disposition and 
ability, to do every thing which could be done 
for the comfort of his guest. About 5 o'clock 
this morning, Mr. Gordon waked me, saying 
that your son had been taken ill in the night. I 
soon visited him, and found Mr. Gordon and 
Mrs. Gordon, with others of their family, in 
assiduous attention upon him; but he was evi. 
dently in the grasp of a malignant attack of that 
malignant disease which has been ravaging 
many parts of this country. I thought his case 
hopeful at first, having had medical attendance 
of the best character, at a very early hour after 
the attack, but the disease continued its ravages 
until about the middle of the afternoon, when 
God released him. I am satisfied that nothing 
which could have been done, with prospect of 
success, was omitted. His distress, as is always 
the case in this disease, was great: but, I think, 
less than in some other cases which I have wit- 
nessed. 

Monday, 29th. To-day his remains were 



LIFE OF J. W. BARK* 



99 



carried, at 11 o'clock, to the first Presbyterian 
church, and a larger assemblage than usual were 
gathered. Rev. Mr. x\rmstrong being absent, 1 
endeavored to make the occasion profitable, by a 
discourse from Rev. 22:20, which were the last 
words I heard him utter: and he seemed to utter 
them with a cordiality which bespoke the state 
of his mind. Mr. Gordon will give you more 
particulars. Wishing you the consolation and 
supports of the gospel, I subscribe myself, 
Your brother in the gospel ministry, 

Stephen Taylor. 

Richmond, Oct. 31, 1832. 

Rev. and Dear Sir: 

You will, no doubt, before this reaches you, 
have received a letter from Mr. Taylor, contain- 
ing the melancholy intelligence of the death of 
your son; but believing that every particular- 
relating to the illness and death of one so de- 
servedly dear to his friends, will be gratifying; 
and Mr. Gordon being very much occupied, 1 
have determined to write, and, as far as I can 
recollect, give all the particulars of Mr. Barr's 
visit to us,— his sickness and death. 

If the sympathy of strangers can afford any 
consolation to his bereaved parents, brothers, 
sisters, and friends, be assured you have it. 

Mr. Barr arrived in Richmond, from Norfolk, 
last Thursday; dined with us on Friday; went 
to Petersburgh the same afternoon, to make an 
appointment to preach; returned the next morn- 
ing, and remained with us until his death. 



100 



LIFE OF J. W* BARR. 



Even the short space of time that he sojourned 
with us, was sufficient to endear him to my 
heart. I have never met with a stranger for 
whom I had formed a greater attachment, and in 
whom I felt a deeper interest. His humility, his 
softness of manner, and above all, his ardent 
piety and entire devotion to the service of his 
Redeemer, called forth the warmest feelings of 
respect and love for him, from us all. But I, who 
know comparatively nothing of his character, 
need say nothing more on this subject to those 
who knew him well. 

When he retired to rest, Saturday night, little 
did we think what another day would bring 
forth! He was unwell when he went to bed, 
but said nothing about it. He aroused us late in 
the night. I immediately went to his bed-side, 
and found him suffering with that most dreadful 
of all diseases that I have ever seen, the cholera; 
but I hoped he was in the early stage of the dis- 
ease, and that it might be speedily arrested. 
The usual medicine and remedies were applied 
as soon as they could be procured, by two skil- 
ful physicians, and every thing done that we 
could to relieve him; but vain was the help of 
man! As soon as I thought him in danger, I 
asked him if his mind was composed and at 
peace. He replied that it was. And although 
he did not then seem to think he was going to- 
die, manifested entire resignation to the will of 
God. 

The Rev. Mr. Taylor visited him as soon as 
it was day, and conversed and prayed with him; 



LIFE OP J. W. BARK. 



101 



and he has given you a much better account 
than I can, of what passed between them. 

Our Christian brethren visited him, and paid 
him every attention that they could pay a bro- 
ther beloved. Early Sabbath morning, he asked 
me if it were not Sabbath morning. On my re- 
plying in the affirmative, he said: " I cannot 
sing, 4 Welcome sweet day of rest,' now." I 
asked him if he would like to hear it sung. He 
said, " Yes." And as well as I could, under 
such affecting circumstances, I and Mr. Gordon, 
(who came into the room soon after,) sung it for 
him. He, very early in the day, became so 
completely prostrated, and the general distress of 
his body so great, that he could say but little 
more. 

He once after requested the brethren to sing 
and pray with him, but was immediately seized 
with cramps, which prevented it at that time; 
but prayer was offered afterwards, Oh ! I shall 
never forget his looks, while I live; and although 
his sufferings must have been very great, he 
bore them with much patience. 

I asked him, if there was any thing that he 
wanted, or that 1 could do more for him. He 
looked at me with an expression of countenance 
that I cannot describe, and said: " You are very 
kind, and I want to express my gratitude to you all, 
while I can." These were about the last words 
that he said to me. About this time, he said to 
the Rev. Mr. Converse, who asked him if he felt 
prepared to meet the change that seemed to 
a wait him: " The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth 
from all sin." Once, while 1 was sitting at his 
9 



102 



LIFE OF J. W. BARK. 



bed-side rubbing his hands, he said to me : " I 
am afraid you will get sick." But, O, what 
would I not have done to have saved his life! 
And, now, I find it hard to be resigned. O that 
I, as well as all who loved him, may be enabled 
to say from the heart: The will of the Lord be 
done! He retained his senses to the last, but 
was unable to speak for some time before he 
died, which was about half past 3 o'clock, on 
Sabbath afternoon: and, thus, this Sabbath begun 
by him in so much suffering, ended in that Sab- 
bath of rest that never ends. May you and all 
the members of his bereaved family, derive much 
consolation from this reflection, and the hope 
that, though he is dead, he yet speaketh for the 
cause of missions; especially for benighted, op- 
pressed, and degraded Africa. Mr. Gordon will 
add a few lines, and state what arrangements 
have been made about his clothes, papers, money, 
&c. We have kept some of his hair, and will 
put it with his clothes, after retaining some for 
ourselves. Mr. Taylor preached his funeral ser- 
mon on Monday, from these words: " He which 
testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quick- 
ly: Amen. Even so come, Lord Jesus!" — which 
were the last words he heard him utter. The 
hymns sung on the occasion were, the 90th 
psalm, long metre, — 1st, 2d, 3d, 5th, and 8th 
verses; the 12th and 566th of the Village Col- 
lection. And, now, may you be supported and 
comforted under this sore affliction, is the prayer 
of one who deeply sympathises with you. 

Louisiana Gordon. 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



103 



My Dear Friend: 

I can add but few words in addition to what 
Mrs. Gordon has written, on a subject so painful 
to us all. We loved the man, and we felt an 
ardent attachment to the cause in which he had 
embarked. But God seeth not. as man seeth. 
Clouds and darkness are round about him. Jus- 
tice and judgment are the habitation of his 
throne. Our dear brother brought but few arti- 
cles with him from Norfolk; where, I presume, 
most of his articles were deposited, as he was to 
embark from thence, in a few days, on his voy- 
age. This morning, I sent down to Rev. Mr. 
Pinney, all his clothes; watch; money, to the 
amount of $140; his papers, &c. His death 
will be published in the Southern Religious Tele- 
graph, next Friday; and a copy of the paper 
will be forwarded to you. Should you wish any 
particulars we have not given, please write to us; 
and, if in our power, they shall be communicated. 
I could dwell on this pleasing, melancholy theme, 
but a disease in my eyes, with which I have 
been long afflicted, makes it painful for me to 
write. O that we could all follow our dear de- 
parted brother, as he followed Christ! The 
second time he came into my counting-room, a 
religious newspaper was lying on the table, and 
in it, presented to his view, was a missionary 
hymn, which arrested his attention. We have 
preserved the hymn, but I cannot lay my hands 
on it at this time. During the day he died, I 
went several times into his room to ask him, if 
he had any special message for you all; but the 
disease had so far prostrated him, that it was 



104 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR- 



painful for him to converse. Once he remarked, 
if he could not speak he could pray. With love 
to all your family, I remain, dear sir, 
Your friend and brother, 

J. N. Gordon. 

The following letter from the Rev. Mr. Cox, 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to the editors 
of the Christian Advocate and Journal, expresses 
similar feelings : 

Norfolk, Va., Nov. 1, 1832. 

Dear Brethren: 

The providence of God still says to me, and 
with more impressiveness than ever : If you go 
to Africa, you must go alone* Only yesterday, 
I was cherishing the most undoubting expecta- 
tion, that I should be accompanied by two active, 
intelligent, and pious young men, from the Penn- 
sylvania presbytery, destined for the same work 
with myself. Last evening, I learned that one 
was in his grave, and that the other would not 
feel himself at liberty to go, until farther instruc- 
tions. But it is all well. Infinite wisdom, I 
know, has directed it; but with what language 
does it speak to me, and to all that live, " Be ye 
also ready." Only yesterday week, and our 
dear Brother Barr, whose loss we so much 
mourn, was a perfect picture of health. On the 
ev ning of that day, at a meeting of the free 
colored people, at which I presided, he delivered 
a warm and impressive address on the hopes 
which Africa holds out to emigrants. Thursday 



LIFE OF J. W. BARK. 



105 



he left us in the steam-boat for Richmond. In 
the Enquirer of Saturday, notice was given, that 
he would preach on the Sabbath, in the Metho- 
dist and Presbyterian churches. In the paper of 
Monday, his friends were invited to his funeral ! 
I cannot, I cannot, my dear brethren, but drop a 
tear while I record it. Our acquaintance was 
but, as it were, a momentary 'one, but it was 
long enough to learn that his heart was much 
imbued with Divine love, and that the spirit of 
missions rested upon him. I loved him. Our 
spirits had run together, and / loved him much. 
But he rests in peace; he sings in heaven, while 
we toil a while longer below. 

" Brethren pray for us." Ask a Christian 
community to pray for us; and to pray fervently 
for the interests of benighted Africa. 

In great haste, but with much affection, I am 
yours in Christ, 

Melville B. Cox. 



CHAPTER VI. 

General Character of Mr. Barr. 

Thus, at the very opening of active life ; at 
the threshold of an undertaking of great import- 
ance; and at a most eventful crisis in its pros- 
pects; was this choice young missionary sud- 
denly taken away, by a pestilence, to which, to 
human view, he had been much more exposed 
during the summer; and at a time which ren- 
9* 



106 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



dered it nearly impossible that his place could be 
filled, in time for the intended expedition. This 
dispensation, while it proclaimed the sovereign 
right of God to carry on his own plan as he pleased, 
and instructed his people to cease from an inconsi- 
derate trust in man, whose breath is in his nos- 
trils, solemnly admonished all, and especially the 
young and ardertf soldiers of the cross, to remem- 
ber the uncertainty of life, and to consider well 
the brevity of that period, in which they may be 
allowed to serve the glorious kingdom of Christ 
on earth. If, by this act of taking from the 
church and the missionary band, a choice and 
gifted instrument, at a moment when the loss 
would seem most heavy, God shall have truly 
and successfully instructed his people, to feel a 
deeper sense of dependence, to place less confi- 
dence in human agents, and repose a more hum- 
ble and prayerful expectation in the grace and 
power of Christ alone, — it will not have been in 
vain that the youthful warrior fell. His death 
will have produced on that branch of the church 
to which he belonged; on the friends of missions 
generally; and on the young men in our col- 
leges and Theological Seminaries; an impression 
greater in value, than the most gratifying labors 
of a useful life, and the most pleasing successes 
in the illumination of benighted Africa. And 
may we not hope, that this is the merciful design 
of Him who hath so early and unexpectedly 
taken him away? May we not hope, that such 
will be the fervent prayer of every one who 
peruses this affecting narrative of his early death? 
But we shall leave it to the subjoined discourse 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



107 



of Dr. Miller, to present and apply those practi- 
cal reflections which this mysterious dispensa- 
tion suggests. 

Of the talents and eminent piety, and general 
character of Mr. Barr, little need be added. 
The preceding narrative shows that he was a 
young man of great activity and decision in 
whatever he undertook. 

We have been kindly furnished with the fol- 
lowing account of Mr. Barr, by the Rev. Mr. 
Bradstreet, a part of which would have been in- 
corporated with the preceding narrative, had it 
been received in time. 

V ermillion, Huron Countv, (O.) ) 
January 10, 1833. \ 

Dear Sir: 

I received your letter of December 17th, in- 
forming me of the intention, to publish a memoir 
of your much lamented brother Joseph, whose 
early death has produced such a deep sensation 
of grief among the friends of missions, and re- 
questing me to give you such information re- 
specting his conversion, Christian character, 
&c, &c, as might be in my possession. It is 
with a melancholy pleasure, that I shall attempt 
the work you have assigned me. Joseph, to me, 
was a friend and brother greatly beloved, in 
whose welfare and expanding prospects of use- 
fulness, I had long felt much of that deep and 
thrilling interest, which a parent feels in his own 
child; and the announcement of his death came 
upon me with an overwhelming power, like a 



108 



LIFE OF J. W. BARE. 



shock of thunder from a clear sky. Having' 
witnessed the first dawnings of piety i» his 
heart, and exerted my feeble and imperfect in- 
fluence in attempting to form his Christian cha- 
racter on the model of the gospel, and afterwards 
followed him with deep solicitude and glowing 
anticipations, through his short but brilliant ca- 
reer of Christian life, I could not but feel deeply 
afflicted when informed, that one who promised 
to be a star of the first magnitude among her 
most faithful and devoted missionaries to the 
heathen, would labor no more for Christ and his 
church on earth. 

Respecting your brother's first religious im- 
pressions, I can say but little. During the time 
that I was preaching in ClevelancLand Euclid, i 
think in the year 1824, Joseph, who was then 
employed in Ridgefield, Loraine county, as a 
house-joiner, came home to Euclid on a visit to 
his friends, and spent the Sabbath. Who was 
the preacher that day, I am unable to determine; 
but it was then and there that he received those 
deep religious impressions, which resulted in his 
hopeful conversion to God. As he immediately 
returned to the field of his labor, I had but little 
acquaintance* with him, till the time of his exami- 
nation for admission to the church, Sept. 6th, 
1824. The. account which he then gave of his 
religions experience and views of divine things, 
was ciear and perfectly satisfactory to the ses- 
sion. On the 19th of September, he was 
received into the church, and again returned to 
\he field of his labor. He frequently visited his 
friends in Euclid, and when there, was very 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR* 



109 



active and faithful in exhorting his friends and 
former companions in folly and sin, both pub- 
licity and privately, to forsake their evil ways, 
and turn to the Lord. During this time there 
was a consistency of conduct, a fervor of spirit, 
and uniform zeal, attending him, which com- 
mended itself to all whom he addressed, and 
gave him a great influence over his former asso- 
ciates. After becoming so far acquainted with 
him, as to form a correct estimate of his talents 
and natural qualifications for a public speaker; 
and above all, having satisfied myself of the 
strength, and depth, and permanency of his re- 
ligious principles and pious feelings, I ventured, 
in a private and confidential interview, to call 
his attention to the duty of preparing to preach 
the gospel. Whether the subject had been pre- 
viously suggested to him by any one, or seriously 
thought of by himself, I am now unable to say. 
He expressed a strong desire to engage in the 
work, and a burning zeal to save sinners, but 
saw a host of difficulties lying in the way. He 
was considerably advanced in life; his father, 
like most other faithful ministers in new coun- 
tries, was not in a situation to afford him much, 
if any, pecuniary aid. After relating to him my 
own history and that of several others, in pro- 
curing an education, by dint of persevering effort, 
without any pecuniary resources, I proposed to 
him in connection with some of my brethren, to 
board and instruct him, and fit him for college, 
free of expense. After mature deliberation and 
consultation with friends, he accepted the propo- 
sal, and commenced his studies with the Rev. A- 



110 



LIFE OF J. W. BAllIt* 



H. Betts, of Brownhelm; and, after pursuing 
them several months with him, and about the 
same length of time, with the Rev. D. W. Latli- 
rop, of Elyria, he came to Cleveland, to finish 
his preparatory studies with me. Before he had 
completed these studies, he received an invitation 
from the Rev. J. Monteith, one of the professors 
in Hamilton College, to come and reside i;i his 
family, on the same terms as had been previously 
offered him. Intending to enter that college, he 
thought best to accept the offer, so as to form 
some acquaintance with college affairs, and 
enjoy some of its privileges before he entered- 
He accordingly left me before he was fully pre- 
pared to enter college. After pursuing his stu- 
dies some time at Clinton, he entered the sopho- 
more class in college and remained one year.. 
Some difficulties arising in college, producing a 
derangement in the state of things, he resolved to 
remove his relation from it to Amherst College, 
Mass., or the Western Reserve College, Ohio. 
Not being able to satisfy himself as to the path 
of duty, he wrote to me for information and 
advice. After stating the comparative advan- 
tages and disadvantages of the two institutions, 
and giving a decided preference, as to literary 
and scientific pursuits, to Amherst and almost 
all of the eastern colleges, I urged upon him the 
superior advantages for doing good, and stamp- 
ing a permanent religious character on future 
generations, which an infant college in a new 
country held out to young men of talents and 
piety. It was this consideration chiefly, as I af- 
terwards learned, which settled his purpose ta 



LIFE OF J. W. EARR. 



Ill 



enter the Western Reserve College. His profi- 
ciency in study and general conduct, while 
there, will be best learned from his instructors 
and classmates. His vacations were filled up 
with active usefulness, in promoting the cause of 
temperance, bibles, tracts, and every good work. 
His subsequent course at Andover and Prince- 
ton is better known to others than to myself. 

Possessed by nature of a manly independent 
mind, the idea of dependence in pursuing his 
studies, was extremely irksome. And hence I 
found it necessary in order to persuade him to 
accept of assistance, to hold up before him not 
only the satisfaction of helping him forward, but 
the advantages which his instructors would de- 
rive, from having an occasion which would com- 
pel usio review our former studies. Like every 
other young man of a manly spirit, he chose to 
support himself, rather than be dependent on the 
charity of others, either public or private. Still 
he was far as possible from being guilty of the 
sin of ingratitude. No one evinced a livelier 
sensibility or feeling of obligation to benefactors 
than he. But in every case where it was practi- 
cable for him, by self-denial and personal effort 
to assist himself, he chose to do it. And this lie 
often felt able to accomplish, when others would 
have shrunk back. Blest with one of the best 
constitutions which God ever gave to his 
creatures, and rigidly following the' cold water 
regimen, both in meats and drinks, he was able 
to encounter hardships which would unnerve 
meaner spirits. The evils incident to the w ant 
of pecuniary resources, to him were "trifles 



112 



LIFE OF J. W. BAKK* 



light as air." When in want of cash fo pay bis* 
necessary expenses, he would resume his trade* 
during a vacation, and thus recruit his health, 
give tone and -elasticity to his muscular system, 
and fill his pockets at the same time. This 
habit so nobly formed and sustained through his- 
■whole literary course, pre-eminently qualified him 
to be a devoted and self-denying missionary to 
the heathen. Happy would it be for the christian 
church, if more of the young men who are 
looking forward to the gospel ministry, possessed 
more of the same spirit. His leading character- 
istics, w^ere strength of mind, ardor of feeling, 
energy of character, and courage to encounter 
and overcome obstacles, These qualities deeply 
rooted by nature, were sanctified by grace, and 
shone conspicuous in his religious life. That 
same ardor of feeling, which glowed and burned 
with such intensity, in pursuit of worldly phan- 
toms, afterwards ruled his heart in the service of 
Christ, making him an ardent, active and ener- 
getic Christian; and seldom failed to reach the 
hearts of others, awakening the piety of Chris- 
tians, and arousing the careless to serious con- 
sideration. It was almost impossible to be in his 
society, any length of time, without feeling a 
quickening influence on one's own heart. I have 
often felt reproved by his godly conversation, 
ardent piety and supreme devotedness of heart to 
the Saviour. No one could be long in his so- 
ciety without feeling that he was a genuine 
Christian, a man of God, and fast ripening for 
fteaven. There was nothing austere or repulsive 
in his piety; no affected airs of peculiar sancti- 



LIFE OF J. W* BAKU. 



113 



ittony, which are always disgusting; but a 
cheerful and glowing piety, mingled with a seri- 
ous gravity and deep-toned feeling becoming a 
child of God. 

As he made my house one of his homes, I had 
good opportunity to learn the effect of his labors 
on others. My congregation, in Cleveland, 
combined . an unusual share of intelligence, re- 
finement, discrimination, captiousness and scep- 
ticism; and it was seldom that they were pleased 
.with any one, whether, a clergyman or layman, 
who occasionally assisted me. But Joseph was 
always an exception. There was always such 
strength of intellect, ardor of feeling and heart- 
felt sincerity apparent in all his performances, 
and no less in his daily conduct, as could hardly 
fail to find its' way to the heart and conscience 
of both saint and sinner. The most captious and 
sceptical were generally pleased, and often con- 
strained to feel under some of his plain, pungent, 
but affectionate appeals to their hearts. One va- 
cation, while in College, he spent with me, at- 
tending meetings and visiting with me in the 
village from house to house; and he always left 
a broad and luminous trail of pious influence be- 
hind him wherever he went. Though many 
disliked to be personally assailed by the artillery 
of his holy ardor, but few could be angry or re- 
frain from loving and respecting the man who 
felt and labored with such pious intensity for their 
good. And such, so far as I can learn, was the 
influence which he exerted in every part of the 
country, and the feeling manifested towards him. 
In a letter received a few weeks ago from a sister 
10 



114 



LIFE OF J. W. BARHr 



of mine, who resides in the West Parish in An- 
dover, and is not a professor of religion, she 
says, " A Mr. Barr, who says he resided some 
time in your family, superintended our Sabbath 
school one summer, and was instrumental of 
much good in this place. Dear man of God, he 
is no longer on earth ! His spirit has winged its 
way, I doubt not, tq heaven. Our .last paper 
announced his death, of cholera, at Richmond, 
Va." This and a thousand similar cases, that 
might be mentioned, show how admirably he 
was fitted to win the affections and confi- 
dence of all, both religious and irreligious, with 
whom he associated. 

He always seemed to act on the principle, that 
wherever a soul was found unreconciled to God 
there was work enough to do, and not a moment 
of time to be lost. His active mind and benevo- 
lent heart could not rest, so long as he saw any 
of his fellow sinners pursuing the phantoms of 
this life, to the dishonor of God and neglect of 
their souls. When on a visit at my house in 
Cleveland, after spending some time in visiting 
families and attempting to awaken the careless 
to the concerns of eternity; he observed to me 
on his return, " If I was a preacher, I would 
take for my first text, that passage which tells 
us how Pau-Ps spirit was . stirred within him, 
when he saw the city of Athens wholly given to 
idolatry.' 5 This feeling was always conspicu- 
ous in his whole conduct, and led him to choose 
the self-denials and sufferings of a missionary 
life. This subject occupied his thoughts soon 
after commencing study. In the early part of 



LIFE OF J. W. BAEH. 



115 



his studies at college, in a confidential inter- 
view, he laid open his whole soul to me on this 
important subject, and asked my advice. With 
a previous knowledge of his character and pre- 
eminent qualifications for the work of a mis- 
sionary to the heathen, after, a full canvassing 
of the whole subject and of his own feelings in 
reference to it, I gave it as my opinion that duty 
called him to engage in this work; and that 
however desirable it might be to me and his 
other friends, and especially to the Trustees of 
our College, that the first class should labor in 
this vicinity to excite an interest in the college 
and create a good opinion towards it; these con- 
siderations ought not to weigh against the higher 
duty of carrying a knowledge of salvation to the 
heathen. His mind soon became steadfastly 
settled on the subject, and the result is known to 
the public. Had his life been spared I doubt not 
that he would have trod closely in the steps of 
Schwartz, Vanderkemp, David Brainerd, and Gor- 
don Hall, or more properly of the great apostle to 
the gentiles. I have been personally acquainted 
with a large number of those beloved men whom 
the American Board have sent as heralds of sal- 
vation to the heathen world, but never have I 
seen one in whom the missionary spirit burned 
with an intenser or holier ardor- than in the la- 
mented Barr; nor one who possessed a larger 
share of the requisite qualifications for his work. 
But God seeth not as man seeth. His sudden 
departure to the world of spirits, as mysterious 
as it is afflictive, has clothed the church in the 
habiliments of mourning, and thrown a deep 



116 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



gloom over the friends of oppressed Africa. May 
the mantle of Barr fall on the beloved youth of 
all our seminaries! 
. I might enlarge my already protracted letter,, 
by detailing the efficient and successful labors of 
your brother, in the cause of Sunday school* 
Bible, Tract, and especially Temperance Socie- 
ties, but the length of my epistle admonishes me 
to close; and besides, the history of these labors 
may be as well or better learned from other 
sources. 

That the contemplated memoir may be a 
source of consolation to the afflicted friends and 
of edification and quickening to the church of 
Christ, is the ardent prayer of your friend, 

S. J. Bradstreet. 

1. When he turned his attention to the acqui- 
sition of an education, with a view to the gospel 
ministry, he became, says his classmate Mr. 
Preston, " a faithful and laborious student* 
Henoe he was successful. His instructors did 
not hear him say : 4 This was a difficult pro- 
blem, I could not solve it; this was an intricate 
sentence, I could not unravel it.' In a word, if 
any obligation lay on him as a student, it was. 
remarkable if he did not meet and sustain that 
obligation." 

Professor Monteith, his particular friend and 
instructor, while at Hamilton College, observes^ 

in a letter dated, 



LIFE OF J. W, BARK. 



117 



Elyria, Feb. 9, 1833. 

Dear Sir: 

My acquaintance with Mr. Joseph Barr was 
from the spring of 1826 to that of 1828. That 
period, as he employed it chiefly in close regu- 
lar study and manual labor, was not, as far as I 
know, marked by any peculiar incident in his 
character or circumstances. My object in invit- 
ing him to my house, was my regard for his 
father, in the first place, and also having learned 
that he was pious and promising, and was pur- 
suing his studies in Brownhelm under some dis- 
advantages. I found him all that I anticipated. 
To a warm temperament and decided piety, be 
added indefatigable industry. His diligence in 
labor about my house, and in some pieces of 
joiner work, was such, that he required scarcely 
any other advances for his expenses, except his 
tuition and some articles of clothing. His beard- 
ing and accommodations we considered as paid 
for by his labor. His progress in his studies 
was very rapid. He not only entered with inte- 
rest and success into the mysteries of classical 
learning, but he read much of history and the 
English classics. This practice, together with 
diligence in the exercise, greatly enriched his 
style of composition. With regard to his piety, 
it was entirely unequivocal in its character, and 
was uniform and steady in its progress. H6 
was always ready to enter into plans of doing 
good; and especially in the promotion of Sunday 
schools, and in the diffusion of a gospel influ- 
ence. 

10 * 



118 



LIFE OF J. W. BARK* 



I have not at command, any further parties 
lars of his history, of any great importance, 
which will not be communicated by others. 

I trust his exemplary course may be followed 
by many other young men; and may his death 
be sanctified to all his friends and acquaintances. 
Yours, respectfully, 

J. MONTEITH. 

The testimony given of him, while at Andover 
and at Princeton, is to the same effect, 

2. As illustrative of the deep experience of divine 
things, which distinguished the commencement 
of his Christian life, the following account of his 
hopeful conversion to God, given by Mr. Barr to 
the Rev. Mr. Todd, and referred to in his tetter, 
and by him communicated for publication, and 
which did not come into our possession until the 
account contained in the first chapter was printed, 
is here presented to the reader : 

" Among my very first recollections, is the 
image of my sainted mother. We lived at the 
west, in what is now the flourishing state of 
Ohio, but was then a howling wilderness. My 
father was a missionary, and my mother was 
one every way fitted to be his helper. He was 
gone from home much, in search of the scattered 
sheep, and had less opportunity to impress his 
character upon me. But my mother ! — she was 
an angel to me. We lived in a log- house, and 
had but one large room. Of course she had no 
closet there. But there was a beautiful grove 
a little back; and there, as early as I can remem- 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



110 



ber, this mother led me by the hand, and made 
me kneel by her side, while she prayed aloud for 
my father and for me. At first I hardly under- 
stood it; but soon learned that God, who dwells 
far, far above those high trees, could hear her 
sweet voice, and was hearkening to her. She 
used statedly to lead me there, and always laid 
her right hand on my head when she prayed; 
and an awful feeling always came over me, 
She never omitted this practice till her death. 
She died when I was nine vears old, and was 
buried near by. During the most wicked periods 
of my life, I have never forgotten these impres- 
sions. The grove is cut down now, but the spot 
seems a hallowed spot. Even since the grove 
has been gone, and since my mother's grave has 
become level with the contiguous ground, I have 
stood on this spot, and her meek image seemed 
to be before me, and her voice, tremulous with 
feeling seemed to come again to my ears, and I 
have been chained by the remembrance of her 
faithfulness and her love. No legacy could she 
have left me half so precious, nor could her fea- 
tures have been more vividly and accurately 
impressed upon canvass, than they are upon my 
memory. 

" Many years after my mother's death, I was 
in the heyday of youth, and in a course of sin 
truly dreadful. The restraints of conscience 
were broken, and there was little to check me 
except my early education. My mother had 
died when I was a child, and I was now too far 
off from my father for him to reach me, except 
by his prayers. I remember being one night at 



120 LIFE OP J. W. BARK. 



a ball; whither I went, as I should then have 
said, for rational and innocent amusement. I 
was introduced to a partner; a young lady from 
a distant section of the country. After the dance 
for which we were partners, I entered into con- 
versation with her concerning the region from 
which she came. She gave me many interest- 
ing particulars of that then newly settled place; 
and among other things, mentioned the sickness 
of her father, and the kind and continued at- 
tentions of a Mr. B — , a missionary; stating that 
Mr. B — had been to see her father very fre- 
quently, and that she was much attached to him. 
She knew not my name. 1 replied, \ That Mr. 
B — , the missionary — is — my father P She 
started as if from an adder. 4 Your father !— he 
your father ! What would he say, if he knew 
you were here !' Had a dagger been thrust into 
me, I could not have felt the wound more deeply. 
It spoiled the evening; it ruined my peace; and 
though I know not that it can be said, that it 
was the means of my awakening, yet I am con- 
fident it planted a thorn in my conscience, which 
was never taken out till I had bowed to God with a 
broken heart. The giving and receiving of this 
keen reproof were both, as it were, involuntary; 
and show, that neither of our consciences could 
approve of the business of that evening, if com- 
pelled to speak out without restraint. 

" A few days after the ball, I was present at a 
communion. At the table many of my near 
friends were found. The scene and the thoughts 
of a future eternal separation, affected me greatly. 
The sermon too reached my conscience, and I 



LIFE OF J. W. BARE. 



121 



might at the close of the services, be said to have 
been under strong convictions for sin. The 
same day a devoted deacon was accidentally, or 
rather providentially, thrown in my way. He 
began to address me on the subject of my salva- 
tion, without knowing any thing of my previous 
history, or of my feelings at that time. Then my 
heart began to rise with a bitterness never known 
before. I reproached him, pointed him to incon- 
sistencies in the church, raved like a mad-man, 
and while my conscience was grinding me like a 
mill-stone, I still kept pouring out my invectives. 
He bore it with meekness — perfectly unmoved, 
and by his gentleness, held up a shield which 
made every dart I threw recoil upon myself. His 
christian meekness was too much for me. I rose 
up and left him. If he had only given one retort, 
shown one angry feeling, it would have relieved; 
but no: I could find no handle. I went out into 
a wood, smarting under the wounds which I had 
been giving myself, and when I could stand un- 
der it no longer, returned, told the deacon my 
situation, asked his pardon and begged his 
prayers. Truly, as Henry Marty n beautifully 
says, " the power of gentleness is irresistible." 

" I had now been under deep and pungent con- 
viction of sin for more than three weeks. I 
could not pray; I could not feel sorry for sin, 
except as it must bring me to unspeakable ruin. 
There seemed to be no mercy for me. The 
heavens were brass, the earth was iron, and I 
was fast preparing to look up and curse God. 
Perfectly sensible of my situation, perfectly 
convinced that, I deserved hell, I could not feel 



122 



LIFE OF J. W. BABR. 



regret or humbled. Every feeling of my soul 
was deep enmity to the character and govern- 
ment of God. At last, after struggling with the 
terrified conscience and the strivings of the Spirit 
of God, I determined to take my own life! It 
was not the result of a paroxysm of despair, but 
the cool, deliberate determination of one who 
dares throw himself upon the " thick bosses of the 
Almighty's buckler." After coming to this de- 
termination, I selected my time and place. Not 
far from me was the river— and a little lower 
was a great fall. Thither I went, resolved to 
return no more. The waters gathered them- 
selves together into a narrow channel, and after 
whirling round several times, as if afraid to 
plunge, they were poured headlong over a' time- 
worn rock, and fell forty feet or more, into a 
large basin beneath. Just by the fall was a 
rock projecting out, and even hanging over this 
basin. On that rock I placed myself preparatory 
to the deed. I looked down into the great basin 
forty feet below me, and there the fallen waters 
were boiling and foaming up, as if indignant at 
being thus cast down: — " fit emblem, I thought, 
of the raging — the helpless raging of the wicked 
in the awful pit beneath!" Above these waters, 
a cloud of spray was rolling itself up towards the 
heavens: — " fit emblem, I again thought, of the 
smoke of their torment which ascendeth up 
forever and ever! But I will know the worst 
which God can inflict upon me. I will plunge 
in, in five minutes I shall know what hell is, and 
what is to be my situation for eternity!" I drew 
myself back to take the plunge. There was no 



LIFE OF J. W. BARK. 



123 



feultering — no shrinking of a single muscle. 
But just as I was in the act of leaping, the hand 
of Omnipotence seemed to be laid upon me. 
Every nerve seemed to be paralysed, and every 
bodily function to fail. A cold shivering came 
over me, and I had not the strength of a child. 
I turned my face; the beautiful sun was shining, 
and for the first time the thought came, " perhaps 
there may be mercy; I will seek it till God takes 
my life!" 

" T can never think of this temptation, without 
feeling that 1 have truly been near the pit, . and 
that man, if left by God, will quickly destroy 
both soul and body." 1 

As a Christian, devoted to the acquisition of 
personal holiness, and to the service of Christ, 
by whatever means he might promote the spirit- 
ual good of his fellow-men, " he was," says his 
friend Mr. P., " affectionate, kind, devoted, 
active, useful. True, but disclose to us the 
springs of his benevolent feeling and action. 

" It has been said, that our love to Christ is 
fervent and burning, in proportion as we cherish 
a deep and lively sense of our sins, and in pro- 
portion as our love is fervent and burning to- 
wards Christ, shall we seek to please him by 
obeying his commands. When Brother Barr 
laid his hand on his heart, and said, 6 1 am much 
forgiven,' the sentiment expressed came from his 
inmost soul. The deep emotions which this sen- 
timent awakened in him were not transitory, like 
the meteor's flash, which sparkles, dazzles, and 
dies. They were habitual; abiding. 



124 LIFE OF J» W. BARR. 

" His habits were such, that what are termed 
the appropriate duties of a student, did not damp 
the ardor of his piety. Neither did the ardor of 
his piety enfeeble his intellectual efforts, or hin- 
der his rapid intellectual growth, and brightest 
intellectual attain rnents. He made each condu- 
cive to the most rapid increase of the other. I 
never heard him complain of his barrenness in 
Christian graces, but that he, at the same time, 
bewailed his want of success in his studies* 
Whether he could best prosecute his studies when 
his mind was occupied with heavenly things, 
when his soul was panting after God, or not, let 
the following extract from his private journal 
decide. 4 I have been in a very calm and serene 
state of mind since last evening, when I was 
enabled to plead earnestly, that the blood of 
Christ might be applied to cleanse me from sin. 
My thoughts have been more than usually occu- 
pied about heavenly things. I have been enabled 
to attend to my studies better than when I could 
feel no desire after divine things. How much I 
lose, in every point of view, when I wander from 
God!' 

" As I felt, for the last time, the warm-hearted 
pressure of his hand, I said to him, Brother Barr, 
w r ere I prepared, I should rejoice to go with you. 
s O tell my brethren,' said he, 'that I go a 
pioneer. Follow after. 5 Here is his dying be- 
quest. I go to Africa to prepare the way of the 
Lord. Hold yourselves ready at your Master's 
call, to follow me, if not to Africa, to any field, 
however desolate and unpromising it may be. 

" Said Brother Barr, when one spoke to him 
of the privations he must endure: * Heaven is as 



LIFE Of J. W* BARK* 125 



near to Africa as it is to America.' Often since 
I heard this sentence fall from his lips, I have 
insensibly listened to the meditations of Barr in 
his closet. He went there to pray. Thoughts 
of home rush upon his soul. All that was 
animating, cheering, blissful in childhood and 
youth, linger in his recollections. 

" He dwells, for a moment, on the interesting 
situation of a minister, settled in the midst of an 
intelligent and refined people; of a flourishing 
church, which loves and confides in him. 

" He contrasts the whole with the numberless 
trials and privations of a missionary life, and a 
kind of pang comes over his soul. He stops, 
looks up, and cries, 4 Heaven is my home. There 
my Father lives. Time is winging me away to 
this home; to my Father's bosom. I was sent 
here to do those things which are best adapted 
to fit me for heaven; those things which my 
father bids me to do, are best adapted to fit me 
for heaven; yea more, even now, while I am 
occupied with my appropriate business, he feeds 
me with clusters which grow fast by his eternal 
throne. Therefore, that spot where he bids me 
labor, I shall find to be the dearest, sweetest 
spot on earth, and no spot on earth is nearer 
heaven.' " 

The following extract of a letter from the Rev- 
Mr. Storrs, President of the Western Reserve 
College, and one of Mr. Barr's instructors, gives 
a concise view of his Christian character while a 
student in that seminary: 
11 



126 



LIFE OF J. W. BARK* 



TO MR. JOHN BARR. 

Dear Sir: 

What knowledge I have of your brother per* 
tains, principally, to his intellectual and moral 
character, as developed during the single year 
in which I had charge of his tuition; and this, 
both in its amount and kind, is probably in no 
wise superior to that which is already possessed* 

Your brother's pecuniary expenditures, while 
here, were regulated by a discreet, not parsimo- 
nious economy; and were sustained by assist- 
ance derived from the American Education 
Society, and the avails of his own manual labor. 
In this last department of a student's duty, no 
less than in study, your brother was uncom- 
monly systematic and diligent. 

His religious influence over both classes of his 
fellow-students was great; and it was as salutary 
as strong. Many of his companions will, I am 
persuaded, carry with them the impressions of 
his sanctifying agency to eternity. 

The early dedication which he made of him- 
self to the work of Foreign Missions, exerted, 
obviously, a powerful influence in the formation 
of his habits, intellectual and moral. He felt 
that he had no time to lose in useless employ- 
ment, nor to waste, by the misdirection of his 
mental activity. The consciousness that he had 
given himself to his Saviour, as an ambassador 
to the heathen, kept him from a thousand follies^ 
urged him to watchfulness and prayer, andf 
girded him for the race 4 set before him.' 



LIFE OF J. W. BARK* 



127 



Your brother was the first graduate of this 
infant college; and we rejoice in the persuasion 
that, while he has been removed from an earthly, 
he has been advanced to a heavenly standing; 
for which his Lord, by calling him so soon, 
pronounced him well prepared. 

Respectfully, yours, 
Charles B. Storrs. 

3. As a man, a relative, a friend, Mr. Barr was 
amiable, affectionate, and faithful. His per- 
sonal appearance was prepossessing; his man- 
ners easy and affable; and his whole conduct 
fitted to impress the mind with a strong convic- 
tion of the depth of his piety and the kindness 
and affection of his heart. This is apparent in 
the uncommon esteem in which he was held by 
his fellow students, and other Christian friends; 
and this, so far as his relatives are concerned, is 
attested by the following extract from one of the 
letters of his father: 

" From one so ardent in piety and affection, it 
would naturally be expected that he would care 
much for the spiritual good of his relatives. 
While he felt for all destitute of a good hope, he 
was very solicitous for the salvation of his near 
friends; and much of this appears in his letters 
to myself, and those of his brothers and sisters 
who were at home. An extract or two is ail 
that I can present. On one occasion, he thus 
addresses his sister Susan: 4 1 very often wish 
when I am washing my dishes, that I had you 
to do it for me. I think of you, too, sister, when 
I am in the Sabbath school, where a good many 



128 LIFE OP J. W. BARS* 

of your age are inquiring what they must do to 
be saved. It would give me very great pleasure 
to hear that you were making the same inquiry, 
or rather, had given yourself to the Saviour. 
That you, Susan, and all my brothers, may 
give their hearts to the Lord Jesus Christ, is 
often the desire and prayer of your affectionate 
brother.' In another: ' Tell Susan, William, 
and Baldwin, who, I suppose, attend Sunday 
school, that I often think of them, and hope they 
will get their Sunday school lessons well; not 
only by committing them to memory, but obey- 
ing the instructions they receive, and besoming 
good children, who love the Saviour Jesus Christ: 
obedient to their parents and kind towards each 
other.'" 

These unstudied expressions unfold the affec- 
tionate sentiments of the writer, and that Mr. B. 
was susceptible of these warm attachments in an 
unusual degree, appears to have been the opinion 
of those who best knew him. Mr. Barr was 
also respected for the correctness of his judg- 
ment, the instructiveness of his conversation, and 
the consistency and conscientiousness of his 
whole character, as a religious man; and with 
these there w r as a vivacity, and simplicity, and 
modest humility, which secured respect where it 
did not win affection. 

4. As a Missionary of the Cross, devoted to the 
spiritual illumination of the heathen, Mr. Barr 
was not permitted to make the trial of his quali- 
fications; but his letters, his resolutions and his 
actions, show that he possessed, in an eminent 
degree, the spirit and temper of the faithful mis- 



LIFE OF 3. W. BABR. 129 

sionary. In the self-denied exertions which he 
made to provide the means of his own support, 
while prosecuting his studies, he has set an ex- 
ample to young men, which ought not to be lost. 
He would seem to have thus voluntarily subjected 
himself to toil and manual labor, not only for the 
purpose of acquiring pecuniary means and esta- 
blishing a firm state of health, but to prepare 
himself for the privations and hardships to which 
the life of a missionary might expose him. The 
ardent desire which he felt to go and spend his 
life among the heathen, even though it should be 
to the most degraded of them; the promptness and 
cheerfulness with which he listened to, and an- 
swered the first call of his Master, on this subject, 
and the pleasure with which, up to the last, he 
spoke of his determination to go to Africa, afford 
the most gratifying evidence of the purity and ge- 
nuineness of that flame of missionary zeal which 
had been kindled in his soul. There is one fact 
on this subject, which should not be omitted. Mr. 
Barr possessed at the time he connected himself 
with the society, a lot of land ia Ohio, of which 
it was requisite that he should make a final dis- 
position. In doing this, while he gave one half 
to the education of the children of one of his 
sisters, the other he appropriated to the use of the 
society to which he had given himself. His was 
indeed, to human view, the zeal and decision and 
self-consecration which suited just such an en- 
terprise as that in which he was to have engaged; 
and possessed as he was of a sound judgment, 
strong faith, an unusual share of moral courage, 
and familiar manners, and an affectionate heart, 
11 * 



130 LIFE Of j. W* BARR« 



he appeared peculiarly well qualified to share in 
the perils and responsibilities of this new and 
difficult mission, and to win the esteem and con- 
fidence of the jealous and capricious tribes of 
Africa. The great Leader of the missionary 
hosts of God, accepted the cheerful offer, and 
released him from the labors and the trials to 
which it led. He allowed him to show what it 
was in heart to do, and then took him to the hea- 
venly rest. But does He not providentially call 
upon the pious young men, who are now pre- 
paring for the sacred office in our country, by all 
the interest and impressiveness of this age of 
evangelical effort, to contemplate the example of 
the lamented Barr? Does He not seem to ask if 
there are not among them Christian adventurers 
willing to carry out the noble plan to which he 
so freely dedicated his talents and his life ? And 
while he thus appeals to the future heralds of his 
cross, is there not in this dark and mysterious 
dispensation, a kind of pledge of future good to 
the very cause — the very enterprise on which he 
seemed to frown 7 Can He not impart to many 
hearts, such a strength and vigor of Christian 
principle, as shall leave (when the extension of 
his empire is concerned) no barriers which his 
servants may not be willing to surmount? May 
it not be his will, that as they ponder upon the 
brief but glorious career of this devested young 
man, the hearts of many shall glow with the 
same heroic zeal, and they resolve like him that 
the burning heat and pestilential air of Africa 
shall not deter them from attempting there to un- 
furl the banner of his cross ? And may not H$ 



LIFE OF J. W» BARK. 



131 



who is " mighty in working" thus make the 
removal of one missionary the instrumental 
cause of the provision of many more? Surely 
it is possible; and while benighted Africa waits 
for the intended — the delayed blessing, let all 
who long for the enlargement of Zion pour out 
their fervent and continued prayers to God, that 
He would thus bring light out of darkness, and 
turn mourning and discouragement into joy and 
thanksgiving. 



HISTORICAL SKETCH 

OF THE 

WESTERN FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 



The connection in which the subject of the 
preceding Memoir stood to this society, as a mis- 
sionary institution but just begun and little 
known to the churches, seemed to require some 
brief notice of its origin, the principles of its or- 
ganization, and the great objects which it was 
intended to attain. Neither our time nor the space 
which we have assigned for this statement, will 
allow us to give more than a concise and rapid 
view of the most prominent outlines of such a 
narration; and, as the society dates its existence 
no farther back than October, 1831, even this can 
embody little of special interest to the general 
reader. 

This, though a new institution, entirely differ- 
ent in its plan from the former one, yet occu- 
pies the same general location of one of the old- 
est missionary societies, instituted with a direct 
view to the benefit of the heathen, which was 
formed in our country. 

The Western Foreign Missionary So- 
ciety is intended to be general, as it respects the 
Presbyterian church especially; and instead of a 
local or sy nodical responsibility, is to be chiefly 



134 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



directed by those presbyteries which may choose 
to join it, and in these as well as in some other 
respects, it differs materially from the former sy r - 
nodical Board. That Board, comprising a num- 
ber of the present members of this society, in con- 
nection with others since deceased, upwards of 
thirty years ago, when the missionary enterprise 
was in its infancy, and when little was done for 
the benefit of the Indians, except by foreign funds, 
began in this then new and thinly peopled country, 
the work of Indian missions. Their resources, in- 
deed, were extremely limited, and their operations 
were always inconsiderable; but, as to the minds 
of many hundreds in this western country, our 
society will stand intimately associated with the 
Western Missionary Society, to give a just idea 
of the views of its founders, it would seem neces- 
sary to recur to the prominent facts in the his- 
tory of that society. 

The Synod of Pittsburgh was constituted by an 
act of the General Assembly, in May, A. D. 
1802: having before formed a part o^rthe Synod 
of Virginia. Before this event, the management 
of Domestic Missions, so far as they were under- 
taken by that synod, were conducted on this 
side of the Alleghenies, by a commission of that 
body, which made its final report and resigned 
its trust into the hands of the Synod of Pitts- 
burgh, at its first meeting in this city, September, 
1802. The synod then constituted itself into a 
society, to be called the Western Missionary 
Society, and among the objects of its organiza- 
tion then specified, the diffusion of the knowledge 
of the gospel among the Indian tribes of the 



LIFE OP «f. W* BAKK. 



135 



West, is mentioned as the most considerable. 
Without any funds worth mentioning, or the 
means of obtaining them, the society began its 
work by sending out settled ministers, to go in 
succession, and converse with and preach to the 
Indians through an interpreter. Thus, in a 
minute formed in 1804, it is said: 

" The following brethren were appointed mis* 
sionaries on the waters of the river Raisin, and 
to the Wyandot Indians, in the following man* 
ner, viz. : 

" Rev. James Hughes, of the presbytery of 
Ohio, for the months of May and June next; 
Rev. William Week, of the presbytery of Erie, 
for the months of July and August; Rev. George 
Hill, of the presbytery of Redstone, for the 
months of September and October; and Hampton 
Northop was appointed to attend them as an in- 
terpreter." 

At a meeting in the following March, the fol- 
lowing minute was entered, viz.: 

" The Board received information that the 
W yandot Indians had agreed to hold a general 
council, on the 14th of April next, for the pur- 
pose of considering and determining on the expe- 
diency of receiving gospel ministers among them; 
and requested that a minister of the gospel 
should attend the council. 

" The Board finding that a minister could not 
be obtained to attend the council, thought it ad- 
visable to send Hampton Northop, the interpre- 
ter, with a speech. 

" A letter was received from the Rev. William 



136 LIFE O* J. W. BARR. 



Wick, informing the Board that he could not ful- 
fil the mission to the Indians." 

In October, 1805, the Board resolved to seek 
the aid of the General Assembly. 

" After hearing the report or reports of the 
missionaries, and conversing with them, the 
Board were impressed with the idea, that there 
is, at present, a very flattering prospect of propa- 
gating the gospel amongst the Wyandot Indians; 
and that it ought to be prosecuted by the society 
with the greatest assiduity. 

" From a review of the poverty of the funds 
of the society, the Board also beg leave to sug* 
gest to the society, the expediency of applying to 
the General Assembly to take the society fund 
into their hands: with the limitation of the as- 
sembly's always allowing a committee of this 
synod, to conduct the business in the interval of 
the assembly's meeting, but subject and account- 
able to the assembly. 

" The Board also recommend to the society, 
to petition congress for a part of the reserve tract 
at Lower Sandusky, for a missionary station." 

In the beginning of 1806, the society began a 
regular establishment at Upper Sandusky. At 
a meeting, February 25, it is said : 

" The Rev. Joseph Badger met with the Board 
and agreed to undertake the mission to Sandus* 
ky, agreeably to the appointment of the society. 
And the Board agreed to allow him 450 dollars 
for one year, with any extra expense which shall 
appear reasonable in his report: the year to 
commence on the 1st of April, or when he shall 
set out? and allowing him a reasonable comperi^ 



LIFE OF J. W. BAKE. 



137 



sation for his time and trouble, in making the 
necessary preparations. The Board also allow 
Mr. Badger to employ two laborers for seven 
months, at 12 dollars per month, each; and a 
black man with his wife, for one year, at 100 
dollars." 

In the following year, with a view to extend 
their operations, the following appointment was 
made, viz. : 

" The Board, desirous to extend the benefits of 
the gospel, agreed to appoint the Rev. John 
M'Pherrin to visit Cornplanter's town, in order 
to obtain information whether there be a disposi- 
tion among the Indians, at that place, to receive 
a missionary, to preach the gospel to them and 
instruct them. To go out as soon as conve- 
nient." 

This effort was renewed in 1814. 

The progress of these limited but truly bene- 
volent labors, and the encouragements attending 
them, may be seen from a few further extracts: 

" Messrs. J. Hughes and William Lee, a com- 
mittee who had been appointed to visit the school 
at Sandusky, made a report of their visitation % 
From which it appeared, that the school was 
still in a promising condition; that the farm has 
been pretty well attended to the last season; that 
about 500 bushels of com has been raised, a 
considerable quantity of wheat, perhaps 50 or 60 
bushels; with potatoes; and the stock have thriven 
well." 

Again, November, 1808; 
" On motion, it was agreed, that Mr. Voss be 
employed to teach school at the Negro town, at 
12 



138 



LIFE OF 3. W, BARR. 



Upper Sandusky, for one quarter, at 24 dollars; 
to teach all the black children and Indian child- 
ren that may be sent to him. They are to board 
themselves and the teacher." 
Again, 1807: 

" After prayer, Mr. Badger's letter was read; 
in which he communicated to the Board, the 
pleasing intelligence of some new awakening 
among the Indians, and their increasing attention 
to the gospel; with other flattering prospects of 
the success of the mission." 

In 1808, the society made another effort to 
extend their missions, as appears from the sub- 
joined extract:: 

" The board received a report from the com- 
mittee appointed by the synod to visit the Mis- 
sisanqua and Chippeway Indians; from which it 
appears, that there is a considerable encourage* 
ment to pay attention to them, and endeavor to 
have a school instituted among them; that there 
would be about thirty children sent to school. 

" The board thought it their duty to attempt 
to do something for them, and agreed to appro- 
priate 50 dollars for that purpose, and appointed 
the Rev. Messrs. T. E. ' Hughes and William 
Wick, a committee to visit them; to employ Mr. 
William Mathews to teach; and to have a school 
instituted. Wrote to the Connecticut Missionary 
Society to undertake^ or to assist in this busi- 
ness." 

And, also, 

" On motion, it was thought proper to look 
out for a suitable young man, to go and live 



LIFE OF J. W. BARE. 



159 



with Barnet, in order to learn the Wyandot lan- 
guage, and to assist him in farming." 

The mission at Sandusky appears to have 
been retarded by some complaints on the part of 
the Indians, the nature of which is not stated in 
the minute, which simply says: 

" The hoard received communications from 
Governor Hull and from Mr. Badger, containing 
statements of complaints forwarded by the In- 
dians to the governor, against Mr. Badger; and 
requesting that some of the society should go 
out to the missionary station, in order to inquire 
into these complaints, and investigate the con- 
duct of Mr. Badger. The board, after delibe- 
rating on the matter, agreed and appointed 
Messrs. Marquis, Anderson, and Macurdy, a 
committee for that purpose, to go out to San- 
dusky, on the 1st of September." 

Eventually, the dispersion of the Indians, and 
the unsettled state of things consequent on the 
war of 1812-'15, pretty much broke up the 
plans and efforts of the society, in that quarter. 

In the fall of 1814, and the spring and sum- 
mer of 1815, the board resolved to establish a 
school among Cornplanter's Indians, (so called,) 
near the source of the Allegheny river, and a 
schoolmaster was soon after sent to them, whose 
labors were continued until the spring of 1819, 
but without any flattering encouragements. 

The society had now ceased its operations, in 
the department of Indian missions, with the ex- 
ception of a small school which had been re- 
newed near Sandusky, under the care of the 
Rev. Alvon Coe. 



14Q LIFE OF J. W. BARB. 

This sobool continued to be supported by the 
board, at Greenfield, Ohio, until 1821, when it 
was determined that measures should be taken 
to establish a permanent station, and proceed in 
the work on a more extended plan. 

In the month of x\ugust of that year, Messrs. 
Law and Swift were sent out to visit, the Otto- 
was, inhabiting the banks of the Maumee river, 
and see if such an establishment could be com- 
menced among them. The report of the surviv- 
ing member* of this committee, after having 
held repeated councils with the Indians, was 
favorable; and the board, having made some 
progress in obtaining suitable persons to embark 
in the enterprise, appointed, in the following 
summer, the Rev. Mr. Macurdy, one of the ear- 
liest and most active friends of the society, to 
proceed to Maumee, and make arrangements for 
the reception of the family and the commence- 
ment of the mission. In October, 1822, the 
mission family, under the temporary superinten- 
dence of the Rev. Mr. Tait, repaired to the sta- 
tion and began its operations. 

For the accommodation of the mission, and 
the schools intended to be connected with it, the 
board purchased between six and seven hundred 
acres of land; erected suitable buildings; sup- 
plied the station with live stock and farming 
utensils; cleared otf and brought under cultiva- 
tion a considerable portion of land; in so far, 
that by the last valuation of the property made 



Mr. Law died on his way home. 



LIFE OF J. W. BARE. 



141 



to the board, it was estimated at little less than 
$10,000. 

Although the mission met with some discour- 
agements, in consequence of the ill-health of its 
members and other things, it continued to pros- 
per, and to sustain a pretty promising school of 
Indian youth and children, till the final period of 
its connection with this society. 

The United Foreign Missionary Society hav- 
ing embarked largely in Western Missions, and 
being anxious to obtain the entire direction of 
efforts of that kind within the bounds of the 
Presbyterian church, transmitted in 1824, a pro- 
posal to the Western Missionary Society to trans- 
fer its station to that Society. This proposition 
was finally acceded to by the Synod, at their an- 
nual meeting, in the fall of 1825, and the whole 
concern by an act of the General Assembly in 
the following May, passed into the hands of the 
American Board of Commissioners for Foreign 
Missions* 

From that period until the autumn of 1828, the 
Western Missionary Society directed its exclu- 
sive attention to Domestic Missions, being enabled 
to employ from eight to twelve missionaries du- 
ring the course of the year, for a longer or 
shorter time, in preaching the gospel in the new 
settlements, and destitute places. The Board of 
Missions of the General Assembly having been 
reorganized, and having enlarged its operations, 
Synod at its annual meeting in October, 1828, 
resolved to suspend for the present all missiona- 
ry operations, and throw the entire concern of 
domestic missions into the hands of the Assem- 
12* 



142 OF Jt. W. BARR* 



bly's Board, and, as it had done before, committed 
its share in the management of Indian missions 
to the American Board. 

At the time of the transfer of the mission at 
Maumee to the United Foreign Missionary Socie- 
ty at New- York, it was fully understood in Sy- 
nod that that Society was just merging itself in 
the American Board of Commissioners for For- 
eign Missions, and it is but just to say, that this 
expectation created no uneasiness. After the 
transfer had been made, the active friends of the 
Western Missionary Society become the zealous 
supporters of that Board and for two or three 
years the contributions of the churches and the 
efforts of its agents were well sustained. 

It became, however, soon afterwards, appa- 
rent, that the removal of a direct responsibility 
had operated unfavorably to the cause, and that 
here, as in some other parts of the Presbyterian 
church, the spirit and zeal and liberality of the 
people, in reference to Foreign Missions, was ra- 
pidly declining. The question as to ecclesiasti- 
cal Boards and voluntary associations had, in 
the mean time, spread no little excitement over 
the whole church, and vitally affected the pros- 
perity of every existing institution. To bring all 
the churches into a revived and cordial and effi- 
cient support of the American Board, appeared 
to be utterly impracticable. The necessity of 
applying some remedy could no longer be doubt- 
ed. The subject was accordingly brought before 
the Assembly of 1831, but the state of things at 
that period, did not admit of a cool and impartial 
and deliberate consideration of it, and the ma- k 



LIFE OF 3. W. BARR. 



143 



jority of that body appeared to be unfavorable to 
a new organization of any form, and dismissed 
the subject by taking measures to secure a con- 
centration of all the resources of the Presbyterian 
and Congregational churches, in the one existing 
institution. This was no doubt done with the 
best intentions, but in the then existing state of 
things, it seemed likely rather to increase than 
diminish the evil complained of. Those who 
urged the adoption of some more acceptable and 
efficient plan for the Presbyterian church, did not 
feel that the suggestion of some of their brethren, 
that the proposal itself owed its existence to a 
wrong state of feeling in the church, constituted 
a fair and satisfactory refutation of their argu- 
ments: and their brethren, no doubt wisely judg- 
ed that the organization of a new and indepen- 
dent Board by the Assembly at that time wou'd 
be attended with evils greater than the sum of 
the proposed good. To the minds of others, it 
had also become a question, whether the union of 
all the measures taken in the Congregational and 
Presbyterian churches in this country, to extend 
the gospel to the heathen, in one great combina- 
tion, would eventually prove the wisest course, 
even if it could be secured; and this doubt was in 
some minds not a little strengthened, by the dis- 
cordance of opinion which then seemed to be 
growing in these bodies. 

Many of those who felt most anxious to see 
the Presbyterian church make a more general, 
united and earnest endeavor in behalf of heathen 
missions, had a strong desire that this might be 
effected without the least breach of love and kind 



144 



LIFE OF J. VT. BABBV 



feeling in reference to existing preferences, and 
established arrangements. Of the American 
Board they had ielt and spoken only in terms of 
respect and affection. They had contributed to 
its funds, prayed for its prosperity, and rejoiced 
in its extended usefulness; but this did not prevent 
them from foreseeing the impossibility of making 
one Society answer the purposes of the Foreign 
Missionary enterprise, and especially with that 
tenfold augmentation of effort which must be an- 
ticipated; nor did it remove the impression that 
an ecclesiastical organization would, in the Pres- 
byterian church, be attended with important ad- 
vantages. While this latter sentiment appears 
to have strongly impressed the mind of the late 
excellent Dr. Rice, and led him even on his 
death-bed to dictate an overture to the Genera! 
Assembly on this subject, which will remain as 
a memorial of his missionary zeal; it is a stri- 
king fact in the history of missions, that the 
former should have found its warmest advocates 
at one of the oldest missionary stations, and 
among the most experienced and venerable mis* 
sionaries now living. The " hints" of the Rev. 
Dr. Marshman, did not, it is true, come into our 
possession until after these measures had been 
adopted, but from the extracts which we give 
from this excellent Tract in the Appendix,* it 
will be seen how decidedly they go to confirm 
these conclusions. And it may now also be add- 
ed, that the expression of & similar opinion was 
contained in & communication received from the 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 145 



Rev. Mr. Brewer, Missionary in the Mediter- 
ranean, soon after the organization of this Board 
was made know to him. In the adjustment of a 
plan of organization for such an institution, and 
with a view to avoid collision, and secure the 
readiest and most effective system of co-operation, 
an overture was prepared which would make the 
Society contemplated to consist of the union of 
all such Presbyteries as might think proper to 
embark in a new enterprise of this description. 
This plan, presenting all the features of a regular 
Presbyterial institution, acting on the authority 
<©f a portion of the church, and involving, as far 
as it might go, the action of the Presbyterian 
church as such, would, it was believed, remove 
the difficulties which some might feel in any 
other method of operation : and carry with it 
the sanction of some at least of her regular ju- 
dicatories. 

Believing that such a measure the Synod of 
Pittsburgh might originate with every prospect 
of a general harmony, the subject was introduced 
to the deliberations of that body at its annual 
meeting in October, 1831, and these resulted in 
the formation of the Western Foreign Mis- 
sionary Society, and the adoption of the follow- 
ing Minute, and subsequently the following Con- 
stitution, viz: 

The committee to whom was referred the over- 
ture No. 3, on the subject of the organization of 
a Foreign Missionary Society, and to prepare 
the plan of such a Society, beg leave respectfully 
to report as follows; 



146 



LIFE OF J. W. BA.RR. 



It is a fact which the members of the Pres- 
byterian church, in common with some other 
branches of Christ's visible empire, recognize 
with joy and gratitude to God, that the indica- 
tions of prophecy and the signs of the times call 
upon all who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sin- 
cerity, of every denomination and every clime,, 
to employ redoubled exertions to entend the glo- 
rious gospel in the earth, and especially to those 
who are enveloped in pagan and antichristian 
darkness. The time appears to haye come when 
Zion should awake and put on her strength,, and 
not only plead before the throne with increasing 
importunity for the fulfilment of the blessed pro- 
mise made to the Mediator, that all nations should 
flow unto him, and be saved, that the mountain 
of the Lord's house may be established; but by 
their actual untiring and liberal exertions, to ex- 
emplify the reality and sincerity of their desires 
to convey to a dying world the precious blessings 
contemplated in these glorious engagements of 
the covenant of redemption. The church and 
the world wait to see such a degree of ardor and 
enterprise on this great subject as the love of 
Christ and the wants of man demand of his own 
blood-bought family ; living as it does in comfort 
and affluence, and possessing the rich favors of 
a munificent Providence. 

In saying this, however, there is no wish to 
depreciate the exertions of the children of Zion, 
either in Europe or in this country, in behalf of 
the pagan world. To say nothing of the eastern 
continent, much has been done in these United 
States in years past> and the memory of many 



XIFB OP \W BAKR* 



14? 



precious servants of Christ whose mortal bodies 
now moulder in distant climes, and the record of 
many missionary stations now existing in various 
places and under different directions, attest to the 
truth of this cheering declaration. Especially it 
is with great pleasure that this Synod recur to 
and aknowledge the laudable, and persevering, 
and truly splendid operations of the American 
Board of Cemmissioners for Foreign Missions in 
the cause of the heathen world; and they cherish 
towards that Society and its varied and anima* 
ting movements, none but unmingled feelings of 
respect and affection. In years past many of 
them have esteemed it a privilege to pray for its 
success, and contribute to its funds; and they 
hope to have opportunities, in years to come, to 
express in similar ways, their love to it. Nor do 
the Synod regard it as improper to recur with 
grateful sentiments to those humble efforts which 
they were enabled, in departed years, to put forth 
through the Western Missionary Society in this 
great and good cause. Still, however, much re- 
mains to be done. The resources of large dis- 
tricts of the Presbyterian church are slumbering 
in inaction, and experience for a few years past 
has demonstrated the fact, that they cannot be 
fully drawn forth by a society so remote as the 
American Board, or by any that does not involve 
an ecclesiastical organization, comporting with 
the honest predilections of many of our people. 
No judicatory of the Presbyterian church, it is 
believed, can act at this time on this subject with 
as much propriety and prospect of unanimity as 
this; and from various considerations, which it is 



148 



LIFE OF J. W. BARK* 



unnecessary to specify, it is also believed that no 
position on the continent is so favorable as this, 
for undertaking the institution of a Society, 
which shall bring up the forces of the Presbyteri- 
an church in the middle and western States, to 
this great and blessed work. Without any feel- 
ing of unkindness to any existing Board, here, 
in these western regions of this large and opulent 
republic, the friends of the perishing heathen can 
lift up a banner intended for other benefactors and 
other ardent aspirants after missionary toils and 
labors than any institution has yet numbered, 
and from hence a stream of benevolence can roily 
which shall meet and commingle with those of 
distant places, and the friends of God even here 
supply its demands without coming in unhappy 
conflict with any other society whatever. Dis- 
claiming all party feelings, therefore, and listen- 
ing to that voice from the Mediatorial throne, 
which seems to say, " Arise and be doing — 
collect my scattered soldiers, and display my 
banner, for the day of salvation is opening on 
the world /" this Synod, trusting in the aid and 
guidance of the God of Missions, 

Resolve, 1st. That it is expedient forthwith to 
establish a Society or Board for Foreign Mis- 
sions, on such a plan as will admit of the co- 
operation of such parts of the Presbyterian 
church as may think proper to unite with it in 
this great and important concern. 

Resolved, 2d. That for the purposes above 

specified the following be adopted as the Consti- 
tution of the contemplated Society, viz. 



L1FJE OFJ. w. BAllH* 



149 



Am. 1. This Society shall be composed of 
the Ministers, Sessions and Churches of the 
Synod of Pittsburgh, together with those of any 
other Synod or Synods, Presbytery or Presby- 
teries, that may hereafter formally unite with 
them, and shall be known by the name of the 
W estern Foreign Missionary Soceity of the United 
States. 

2. The objects of the society shall be to aid in 
fulfilling the last great command of the glorified 
Redeemer, by conveying the gospel to whatever 
parts of the heathen, and antichristian world the 
providence of God may enable this Society to 
extend its evangelical exertions. 

3. The centre of its operations shall be the 
city of Pittsburgh, at least until such times as the 
Board of Directors shall judge that the interests 
of the cause require a change of location, which 
however, shall never be effected without the 
consent of the Synod of Pittsburgh: and in the 
event of such a change, then the special pro- 
visions of a Sy nodical supervision and represen- 
tation mentioned in this constitution, shall be 
transferred to the General Assembly, or to that 
particular Synod within whose bounds the opera- 
tions of the Society shall be concentred. 

4. The general superintendence of the interests 
of this Society shall be confided to a Board of 
Directors, to be appointed in the following man- 
ner, to wit. The Synod shall elect, at the 
present time, of persons residing in Pittsburgh 
and its vicinity, six Ministers and six Ruling 
Elders, whose terms of service shall be so ar- 
ranged, that those of two Ministers and two 

13 



150 



LIFE OF J. W. BARK, 



Huling Elders, shall expire at the end of one year* 
and two of each at the end of two years, and the 
remaining two at the end of three years, and the 
Synod shall ever after elect annually one-third 
of this number, or two Ministers and two Ruling 
Elders'; and in the event of a renewal of the 
charter of the Western Missionary Society, so 
amended as to meet the present objects of this 
Society, then the said twelve persons herein 
mentioned shall constitute, for the time being, the 
trustees and legal representatives of the Synod; 
to fulfill the duties of such trust in the manner 
which may be specified in the said charter. 2- 
The Synod shall also elect one Minister and one 
Ruling Elder, from each of the Presbyteries now 
composing this body; the one half, or four Minis- 
ters and four Elders, to be chosen for two years, 
and the remaining four for one year; but after 
the expiration of the term of service, for which 
they shall be severally chosen, this election shall 
devolve upon the Presbyteries respectively; and 
the same right shall be extended to any Presby- 
tery or Presbyteries, which may hereafter be 
formed within its bounds. 3. And whenever 
any Presbytery or Presbyteries belonging to 
other Synod or Synods, shall become regularly 
united with this Society by vote and actual con- 
tribution to its funds, every such Presbytery^ 
shall be entitled in like manner, to the right of 
appointing one Minister and one Ruling Elder, 
to serve for the term of two years, leaving it to 
the Board of Directors so to fix the two classes, 
as that the change for each and every' year shall 
be as nearly as possible equal to the others; and- 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR* 



151 



these persons so appointed shall constitute a 
Board, to be styled the Board of Directors of the 
Western Foreign Missionary Society, and the 
said Board shall meet annually in the city of 
Pittsburgh, on the Tuesday preceding the second 
Thursday in May, at 3 o'clock P. M. and oftener 
on the call of the President at the request of the 
Executive Committee, or on that of any three 
other members of the Board. The election of 
the Board of Directors shall be made by ballot, 
and in reference to those to be chosen by the 
Synod, the rule shall be after the first election, 
to make a nomination at least one day previous 
to that on which the choice is to be made. 

5. The Board of Directors shall annually 
choose out of their own members, a President, 
Vice President, a Corresponding and a Recording 
Secretary, and Treasurer, and an Executive 
Committee. It shall also have power to elect 
whatever number of honorary Vice Presidents, 
and honorary Directors it may think proper, 
provided that the said honorary members may 
sit and deliberate, but not vote in any of the 
proceedings of the Board. To the Board of 
Directors it shall also belong, to review and de« 
cide upon all the doings of the Executive Com- 
mittee, receive and dispose of its annual reports, 
give to it such directions and instructions in 
reference to future operations as they may judge 
useful and necessary. It shall also be their duty 
to lay before Synod, and cause to be presented 
to each and every Presbytery connected with 
this Society, an annual report of their proceedings; 
to propose to each, such plans of operation, and 



152 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



such changes in this constitution as to them may 
appear expedient; and to exercise ail such powers 
and duties pertaining to the w 41-being of the 
Society, as are not herein otherwise provided for* 
At every stated meeting of the Board a discourse 
shall be delivered in their presence on some sub- 
ject appropriate to the great object in view, and 
whenever a special meeting of the Board is called, 
the notice of such meeting shall be issued from 
the President, at least twenty days before the said 
meeting is to occur. 

6. The business of the Society shall be im- 
mediately conducted by an Executive Committee, 
consisting of five Ministers and four Ruling 
Elders, besides the Corresponding Secretary 
and the Treasurer of the Society, who shall be 
members ex officio; to be chosen annually by 
the Board from among its own members; and to 
them shall belong the duty of appointing all 
missionaries and missionary agents; of assigning 
their fields of labor; of receiving the reports of 
the Corresponding Secretary, and giving him 
needful directions in reference to all matters of 
business and correspondence entrusted to him; 
of inspecting the accounts of the Treasurer, and 
authorizing all expenditures and appropriations 
of money; and in general, of taking the super- 
vision of all the concerns of the Society and 
directing all its measures, subject to the revision 
of the Board of Directors. The Executive Com- 
mittee shall meet at least once in every quarter, 
and oftener on their own adjournments, or on the 
call of their Chairman, and Corresponding Secre- 
tary of the Society, who shall be ex officio, the 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



153 



clerk of the Committee. Five members shall 
^constitute a quorum. Whenever vacancies occur 
in the Committee, during the recess of the Board, 
the Committee shall be empowered to fill such 
vacancies, all such appointments being limited to 
the close of the regular session of the Board, 
which shall next follow such appointment As 
the direct management of the concerns of the 
Society is entrusted to the Executive Committee, 
it shall be their duty earnestly and perseveringly 
to prosecute the great objects of this institution, 
to exercise great care in the selection and 
designation of missionaries, and in the choice of 
fields of labor, and to secure as far as may be 
compatible with the provisions of this Society, 
the co-operation of the Presbyteries and other 
judicatories of the Presbyterian church. 

7. It shall be proper for the Synod, or any of 
the Presbyteries connected with this institution, 
to recommend such plans and measures to the 
Board of Directors, or the Executive Committee, 
as to them shall appear expedient: and Synod 
may, with the concurrence of a majority of the 
Presbyteries concerned, give positive instructions 
to either, in cases where it may seem necessary 
to exercise a direct interference in its operations. 

8. This constitution may be altered and 
amended by a vote of Synod, with the concur- 
rence of a majority of the Presbyteries concerned, 
exclusive of those of which the Synod is com- 
posed; but not otherwise: and such alterations 
shall not be made at the same meeting at which 
they were proposed, except by a vote of two 
thirds of the members preser* in Synod. 

13* 



154 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



The Board of Directors then appointed, con- 
stituted immediately after the rising of Synod, 
and chose an Executive Committee, by which re- 
gular monthly meetings have been ever since 
held. The committee in their first Circular ex- 
pressed the determination to undertake the esta- 
blishment of a Mission in Western Africa, as 
soon as circumstances would permit, and 
the subject was laid before Societies of Inquiry 
on Missions in the Theological Seminaries of 
Princeton and Allegheny-town, Communica- 
tions were soon after received from Mr. John B. 
Pinney, of the Theological Seminary at Prince- 
ton, and Messrs. John C. Lowrie and William 
Reed, of the Western Theological Seminary, of- 
fering to place themselves under the care and 
direction of the Executive Committee as mission- 
aries to the heathen. This, with the munificent 
gift, shortly after, of $1000, to the Society, by 
the Hon. Walter Lowrie, and the expressions of 
Christian interest in the prospects of the Society 
from various parts of the church, led the Com- 
mittee and the active friends of the institution to 
entertain a grateful sense of the Divine favor, 
and a growing conviction of the expediency of the 
undertaking. The General Assembly, also, 
which met in the May following, spoke of the 
establishment of the Society in terms of marked 
approbation. During the summer, Mr. Pinney, 
whose mind had been strongly inclined to an 
African Mission^ became anxious to have an 
early period designated at winch the undertaking 
might be expected to commence, and on being 
apprised that this would be done as soon as a 



LIFU OF J. W. BARR. 



15o 



suitable fellow-laborer could be provided for that 
field, he submitted the solemn question to the 
consideration of one who was known to have 
devoted himself to the work, and who possessed 
peculiar qualifications for such an undertaking. 

This person was Mr. Barr; and the result of 
his inquiries, and a succinct history of the mis- 
sion up to the time of his decease, and the sail- 
ing of Mr. Pinney for Africa, have been given in 
the preceding narrative. On the receipt of in- 
telligence that their missionary was no more, the 
executive committee held a special meeting, and 
unanimously adopted the following minute and 
resolutions, viz. : 

The executive committee of the Western Fo- 
reign Missionary Society receive, with deep sor- 
row, and, they hope, with deep humiliation before 
God, the affecting intelligence of the sudden re- 
moval from their service of one, whose amiable 
character and fervent piety, and whose peculiar 
qualifications for, and devotion to the cause of 
missions, had awakened in their minds high ex- 
pectations of their usefulness to the benighted 
tribes of Africa. Mr. Barr had, at the close of 
his second year, voluntarily dissolved his con- 
nection with the Theological Seminary at Prince- 
ton, expressly to engage in the African mission: 
and having, with his associate, Mr. Pinney, been 
recently ordained to the work of the ministry, at 
the request of the committee, and proceeded to 
Norfolk, the place of intended embarkation, he 
made an excursion to the city of Richmond, with 
a view to present the claims of the mission to the 
Christians of that metropolis. Here he made his 



158 LIFE OF J. W\ BAHR. 



appointments for preaching on the Sabbath, and 
retired to rest on Saturday evening but slightly 
indisposed. Between one and two o'clock on 
Sabbath morning, he was violently attacked with 
the prevailing epidemic; and so rapid was the 
progress of his malady, that it terminated fatally 
at 3 o'clock, P. M., of that day; leaving his mis- 
sionary brother and this society, as well as the 
church of God at large, to mourn the removal 
from the vineyard of the Lord, of a judicious, 
devoted, and promising young minister of Christ, 
and from an important missionary enterprise, 
just about to be commenced, a servant of God, 
who was, to human view, especially fitted for 
that particular field of labor. To the missionary 
cause, and to the Western Foreign Missionary 
Society, the decease of this excellent young man, 
at such a crisis as this, is indeed a deep affliction, 
and one which calls for deep humility and earnest 
prayer on the part of all who are engaged in the 
hallowed work of sending the gospel to the hea- 
then. But this committee, while they feel the 
magnitude of the loss which they have sustained, 
w^ould not forget that, however mysterious the 
work and way of God, it belongs to them humbly 
to acquiesce in it, as holy, just, and good; nor 
would they forget that, in the fact that our young 
brother not only died amidst the kind attentions 
of Christian friends, and in a calm and unclouded 
frame of mind, but has left the pleasing hope that 
his departed spirit has entered into the heavenly 
rest, there is much for which sincere gratitude to 
the great Disposer of events is due; and in tine, 
they would feel that this sudden and mournful 



UFE OF J. W. BARR. 



157 



.dispensation, instead of producing distrust and 
despondency, in regard to the great work of mis- 
sions, and the prosecution of the mission to Afri- 
ca, should incite them, and all who are united 
with them in it, to redoubled zeal and diligence 
in this sacred cause, remembering that though 
their ardent and valued servants may fall at the 
very commencement of their enlistment, the great 
Captain of Salvation lives and reigns forever, still 
to Jove and prosper the missionary cause, and 
still to reiterate to his living servants the great 
command, " Go ye into all the world , and 
preach the gospel to every creature" 
On motion, 

Resolved, 1st. That the thanks of this com- 
mittee be respectfully tendered to our Christian 
friends, in the city of Richmand, Va., who so 
kindly ministered to the comfort of our departed 
brother and beloved missionary, Mr. Barr, dur- 
ing his last illness and death, for their friendly 
attentions and Christian hospitality on that mourn- 
ful occasion. 

Resolved, 2d. That this committee are ready 
to erect a suitable memorial to the memory of 
our departed missionary, whenever the wishes of 
his relatives on that subject shall be made known 
to the committee. 

Resolved, 3d. That copies of this minute be 
forwarded to the Rev. Thomas Barr, and Mr. 
John N. Gordon, of Richmond, Va. 

The committee soon afterwards took measures, 
in conformity with the suggestions of some ol 
the friends of the society, to provide for the pub- 
lication of this memoir of Mr. Barr. 



158 LIFE OF J. W. BARK* 

The present state of this infant society, to 
which a number of presbyteries besides those 
originally included, have given the promise of 
their efficient co-operation, during the past year, 
may be, in part, learned from the subjoined 
statement of its missionary arrangements: 

Missions of the Society. 

Since its organization, the board has received 
under its care, seven missionaries, besides two 
or three assistants intended for a western 
mission. These have been distributed in the fol- 
lowing manner: 

1. To Western Africa, two, Rev. Messrs. 
John B. Finney and Joseph W. Barr. By the 
sudden death of the latter, just as he was about 
to embark for Africa, the society sustained the 
loss of one of the most promising missionaries. 
His surviving associate, Mr. Pinney, sailed for 
Africa on the 1st of January last. 

2. Northern India, three. Messrs. John C. 
Lowrie and William Reed, two of these breth- 
ren, are expected to sail from tins country for 
Calcutta, about the 1st of May. 

3. To the Indians west of the Mississippi, 
two. One of these brethren is expected to pro- 
ceed, in company with some other person, during 
the ensuing summer, to the site of the proposed 
establishment, and make preparations for the re- 
ception of the other members in the following 
autumn. 

To Western and eventually Central Africa, 
this society has from the beginning looked, as 



MFE OP J. W« BARK. 



159 



one of the principal fields of its intended opera- 
tions. To that benighted land it consecrated its 
first efforts: and all the information whioh has 
been since received, has but tended to increase 
its desire to draw, in a special manner, the atten- 
tion of American Christians and of young men 
devoted to the cause of missions, to that long- 
neglected and interesting part of the globe. The 
climate of Africa, however, is tenific to the 
white man; and few, it is to be feared, will have 
the courage to face its dangers. The fall of the 
lamented Barr, leaving his heroic associate to 
advance alone, seemed with a solemn emphasis 
to reiterate the question, whom shall we send 1 
And the long silence which has since occurred, 
not only proclaims the magnitude of the loss of 
even a single man, whose heart was turned to 
Africa, but the extent to which there prevails, in 
the public mind, a sense of the perilous nature of 
the enterprise. This dread, however, must be 
overcome; and when the experiment shall have 
been fairly made, in reference to the interior, we 
shall be disappointed if it does not show that 
places may be found, where security as to health 
and life^may be as great, to say the least, as in 
some other portions of the great field. What- 
ever hopes of ultimate aid from the labors of the 
descendants of Africans, educated in this coun- 
try, may be entertained, in respect to the illumi- 
nation of its interior population, it is manifest 
that, for the present, the church must look to 
other means for the commencement of the work. 

If the peculiar claims of that vast field are 
considered, and " prayer without ceasing" is 



160 LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 

offered in its behalf, by every sincere disciple of 
Christ, there is reason to hope that the Lord of 
the harvest will provide laborers for that self- 
denying and perilous expedition. 

The reasons which led to the institution of 
this society, and the belief that such a measure 
would tend to promote the glory of our Redeem- 
er in the increase of efforts to extend the gospel 
to the heathen, have been already stated. If 
they are not well founded, the Christian reader 
is assured that they have been presented and 
acted upon, from an honest desire to do good; 
and with no feelings of distrust or rivalry to- 
wards that excellent board, to which our support 
has been heretofore given. On this subject the 
executive committee, in their first circular and in 
their more recent address, say: 

" As the American Board of Commissioners 
for Foreign Missions, has long stood to Presby- 
terians, as well as Congregationalists, and some 
others, as the chief, and nearly the only channel 
of communicating the blessings of the gospel to 
the heathen; and as this society, however much 
humbler it may be in its prospects of extent and 
usefulness, may seem to aim at a division of la- 
bor and of patronage with that truly noble insti- 
tution, it is proper to say, that its design did not 
originate in any feeling of jealousy, or disaffec- 
tion with that board, — in any desire to diminish 
its resources, or impair that measure of public 
confidence which it certainly and justly enjoys. 
While we can say this with, we humbly hope, 
the same kind of candor and affection, which we 



fclFE OF J. W. BARR. 



161 



believe existed in the mind of that truly eminent 
and excellent man, who, among the last acts of 
his useful life, dictated an overture to the Gene- 
ral Assembly, urging upon that body the adop- 
tion of a plan, similar to that which is here con* 
„ templated, we may also add, that it is begun by 
us with the solemn and fixed determination of 
maintaining towards that society, the kindest 
feelings, and the most cordial and brotherly re- 
lations. It appears to us, however, that we can 
say every thing in commendation of that board, 
which its most ardent friends can possibly, ask 
for it, and yet, believe that its constitutional plan 
does not fit it to occupy the whole ground in this 
extensive republic, or to have the entire co-ope- 
ration of the Presbyterian church, as fully and 
advantageously, to say the least, as a society 
whose ecclesiastical organization comported with 
the honest predilections of many of its churches." 

" In reference to the American Board of Com- 
missioners for Foreign Missions, we hope to 
cherish no selfish principle; and we shall appeal 
to no sectarian feeling. We contemplate its past 
achievements and its present prosperity, with 
unmingled pleasure. Our only strife will be to 
copy its every good example, and try not to be 
outdone by it, in kind affection and Christian 
magnanimity. We hope to be able, as a Pres* 
byterian board, (perhaps in a feeble and humble 
measure,) to increase the amount of missionary 
feeling and effort in our church, but certainly on 
such principles of mutual harmony and brotherly 
co-operation, as every sincere disciple of Christ 
will delight to witness." 

14 



162 



LIFE OP J* W. BARK* 



If our expectations should be disappointed; if 
it should be the will of the Lord Jesus, that the 
elder institution should "increase" more and 
more, while we " decrease," it will cost us no 
mortifying regrets, if our operations shall have 
tended to contribute to its prosperity, in any part 
of the Presbyterian church. May that spirit 
which alone befits the hallowed work of evan- 
gelizing the world; which unites and cements in 
one, all who sincerely engage in it, more and 
more prevail among the children of Zion, until 
the mountain of the Lord's house shall be estab- 
lished upon the tops of the mountains, and all 
nations flow unto it. 



THB 



DEAD SPEAKING. 

A Sermon delivered in the Oratory of the Theological 
Seminary, at Princeton, New- Jersey, November 18th» 
1832, on occasion of the death of the Rev. Joseph W* 
Barr, Missionary to Africa. By Samuel Miller, D.D. 
Professor in said Seminary. 



Hebrews 11:4- He, being dead, yet speaketh. 

When death has laid his cold hand upon one 
who was lately in health and active, one of the 
most striking consequences is, that the lips are 
sealed in silence. Those lips, which, perhaps, 
were seldom opened without giving pleasure and 
instruction; those lips, which, it may be, were 
devoted to the best purposes, and delighted in 
pleading the cause of righteousness, — when death 
has done his work, are closed and powerless. 
We may address ourselves to the departed indi- 
vidual, in the loudest manner, — but he hears not; 
he answers not; all is silent. 

But, blessed be God ! there is another sense in 
which even the dead speak. Nay, there are 
cases in which they not only speak, but continue 
to speak, thousands of years after they are gone. 
Thus the apostle Paul, who penned the words of 
our text, though represented by tradition as a 
man of small stature, and feeble bodily presence, 



164 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR, 



has been speaking for near eighteen centuries, to 
the whole Christian world, and will continue to 
speak until " time shall be no longer." And thus 
also Paid says of one who died near four thou- 
sand years before he wrote, He, being dead, yet 
speaketh. 

The words of our text, you all know, are spo- 
ken of pious Abel. By faith, says the apostle, 
Abel offered unto God a more acceptable sacri- 
fice than Cain ; by which he obtained witness 
that he was righteous; God testifying of his 
gifts; and by it — that is, by his faith, and by 
his acceptable offering made in faith — he being 
dead, yet speaketh. 

Some respectable interpreters, however, have 
supposed that by the phrase, " by it," there is a 
reference to AbeVs blood; and that its meaning is 
the same with that of the passage in the fourth 
chapter of Genesis, where God is represented as 
saying to Cain, The voice of thy brother's blood 
crieth unto me from the ground. In conformity 
with this interpretation, they suppose the apostle 
means to say, that AbeVs blood still crieth for 
vengeance against all murderers; and especially 
against those who persecute good men to death 
for righteousness' sake, which was the sin of the 
first murderer. 

Others have said, that the last word in the 
original, in this verse, translated " speaketh," 
ought rather to be translated spoken of; and, of 
course, that the meaning is, that though Abel, 
when the apostle wrote, had been long since dead; 
yet that, on account of the remarkable circum- 
stances attending his history, he was yet spoken 



LlFfi OP J. W. BARB. 165 



of, and would be spoken of to the end of the 
world. 

But, I believe the best interpreters have gene- 
rally agreed, that our common translation of this 
verse is an excellent one; and one that expresses 
with much accuracy, its general import; — and 
that its meaning is, that though Abel is dead, his 
character and works, and especially his sacri- 
fice offered in faith, and accepted of God, " yet 
speak," recommending to us repentance, hu- 
mility, faith and obedience. We may consider 
the import of the passage, then, to be, that Abel, 
though dead, yet by his faith, and his holy obedi- 
ence, taken in connection with his early death, 
and the circumstances of it, still addresses us, and 
conveys to us very important lessons. 

And so xoc may say of every departed friend 
and neighbor — " Though dead, he yet speaketh." 
For in every death there is a very solemn voice; 
a voice which ought to penetrate to our inmost 
souls, and exert a powerful and permanent influ- 
ence on our hearts and lives. 

But there are some deaths which speak with a 
peculiarly loud and solemn voice: — some deaths 
the voice of which he must be deaf indeed who 
does not hear, and hear effectually. For exam 
pie,— 

I. When a person in the morning of life 
— in the flower of his age, dies, we may em- 
phatically say, that " he being dead, yet speak- 
eth." The aged are expected to die. When a 
man has done his work; or done the greater part 
of what he is capable of doing; — when he has 
14* 



166 LIFE OF J. W. BARS. 

reached gray hairs and wrinkles, and has been 
for some time as it were tottering on the brink of 
the grave; we hear of his sickness and death, 
with regret, perhaps, but without surprise. Even 
though we greatly love and venerate him; yet 
when we see him come to the grave, like " a 
shock of corn fully ripe," as the t holy oracle 
expresses it; — there is something in the case 
which tells us that it is natural, and which acqui- 
esces in the will of Providence. But when the 
young and vigorous are cut down, like flowers in 
the spring; when one who is coming forth in all 
the strength of youth, in all the promise of youth, 
and in all the sanguine hopes of youth, is unex- 
pectedly taken away, before his appropriate work 
is well begun, and when the expectations of those 
who know and love him are raised high, only to 
be disappointed; — there is a voice here which 
ought to enter and to affect the very souls of all 
who hear it. There is a voice here concerning 
which we may, with the utmost propriety, say, 
as our blessed Lord most emphatically said, on 
several occasions, — " He that hath ears to hear 
let him hear." 

And what is the language which it speaks? It 
proclaims with a voice solemn as eternity — Re- 
member now thy Creator in the days of thy 
youth. Young men likewise exhort to be sober- 
minded. Boast not thyself of to-morrow, for 
thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. 
Be ye also ready; for ye know neither the day 
nor the hour when the Son of man cometh; whe- 
ther at even, or at midnight, or at cock-crowing. 



LIFE OP J. W. BAHR* 167 



Of in the morning; — watch, therefore, lest com* 
ing suddenly he find you sleeping. 

My dear young friends, you are prone, — yes, 
even pious young men are prone to forget the 
fact, that the young may die. There is some- 
thing in human nature which continually tempts 
us, amidst the allurements of the present, to lose 
sight of the future. But however the fact may 
be forgotten, it is a fact still. And it is of great 
importance that you remember it. The young 
may die. The word of God declares it. The 
voice of Providence proclaims it. Our daily ex- 
perience exemplifies it. Why then, O why, are 
you so backward to learn the solemn lesson? 
You see, with your own eyes, that sixteen, or 
twenty, or twenty-five, is just as mortal as three- 
score a id ten, or four-score. When you go 
through the church-yard, and read the inscrip- 
tions on the tombs, you perceive that a large ma- 
jority of those who are deposited there, never 
reached old age. The fact is, not more than a 
third part of all that are born ever reach the age 
of thirty. And yet the young are ever promising 
themselves to " live many days and rejoice in 
them all." Nay, the great means by which 
thousands of youthful professors of religion quiet 
conscience in neglecting, or postponing what they 
know to be their duty, from day to day, is, cher- 
ishing the fond hope that they have many years 
to live, and shall enjoy " a more convenient sea- 
son" for attending to the duties now incumbent 
upon them. 

When a young person dies, then, there is a 
voice in the event which is adapted to dispel this 



m 



LIFE OF J. W. BARB* 



deplorable delusion. It proclaims, " Young man ! 
look upon that coffin ! Survey the pallid counte- 
nance, and the lifeless frame which fill it; and 
which were a few days ago as blooming, and 
vigorous and active, as thine own. Remember, 
that before another year, or month be past, that 
situation may be thine. Calculate not on long 
life. Act upon the principle that thou mayest 
never reach even middle age. Whatsoever thine 
hand findeth to do, do it with thy might. Work 
the work of Him that sent thee while" it is day. 
Thy sun may go down before it is noon. There- 
fore, redeem the time. Prepare to meet thy 
God."— But, 

II. If the death of a young person, as such, 
speaks to us, — when a pious young person 
dies, we may say, with peculiar emphasis — that 
" by it, he, being dead, yet speaketh." 

There is no doubt that, other things being 
equal, a pious young man is more likely to enjoy 
firm health, and to live to a good old age, than a 
youth who has no fear of God before his eyes. 
The whole temper, and all the habits of the for- 
mer, are certainly more friendly to longevity than 
those of the latter. His temperance; his habits 
of order and diligence; his humble trust in God; 
his "joy and peace in believing;" his content- 
ment; and " the good hope through grace" which 
animates and sustains his mind from day to day; 
— are all favorable to bodily as well as mental 
health, and increase the probability that he will 
" live out all his days." Yet, neither the word 
of God, nor the dispensations of his providence, 



LIFE OF J. W. BARS* 



169 



give us any assurance that the messenger of 
death shall not arrest the pious youth — and even 
the most pious. Nay, a sovereign God; in his 
infinite wisdom, may be pleased to remove such 
an one by death, because he is pious; because he 
is, through grace, prepared to be taken; and be- 
cause the departure of such an one teaches les- 
sons of the most instructive and interesting kind. 

When a young person decidedly pious is re- 
moved by death, the event speaks, and tells us — 
that dying, though a monument of sin, is not to 
be regarded as an evidence of God's peculiar dis- 
pleasure; that death may be transformed into a 
messenger of peace; and that even to one who is 
cut down at the very threshold of his course, 
death may be a happy exchange, an unspeaka- 
ble and everlasting gain. While it proclaims 
that death is that law of our nature, that conse- 
quence of sin, from which no virtue, no piety 
can furnish any exemption; it, at the same time," 
shows, that the young, the blooming, and those 
before whom the world spreads its most attrac- 
tive charms, can meet this enemy as a friend, 
and triumph, with humble confidence, over all 
his terrors. 

I can scarcely conceive of any class of scenes 
more strikingly adapted at once to illustrate and 
confirm the power of religion; to bring to a so- 
lemn test its sustaining efficacy; and to show its 
value as a source of consolation, than those 
which attend the death-bed of one who departs 
in the faith and hope of the gospel. It is easy to 
speak in theory on this subject, and, while death 
is at a distance, to talk of gaining the victory 



170 



LIFE OF /. W. BARH. 



over it by faith in the adorable Redeemer. But 
to see the Christian not only sustained, but made 
to triumph, when death actually comes near, 
and stares him in the face: to see him, in these 
circumstances, willing to die; rejoicing in God, 
and in hope of his glory; ready to say with holy 
confidence, O death, where is thy sting? O 
grave where is thy victory? Thanks be unto 
God, who giveth vs the victory through our 
Lord Jesus Christ/ — this is a scene which 
speaks more for the value of our holy religion, 
than thousands of those theoretical testimonies, 
which, however true, want that practical and 
touching character which rinds a response in 
every mind, and is so apt to make its way with 
power to the heart. But such scenes have been 
often witnessed; and when they do occur, it is 
indeed a privilege to be admitted to the chamber 
in which the faith and hope of the believer thus 
display their triumphs. Yes, my friends, these 
are scenes before which even unbelief itself can- 
not stand. I have known a profane, infidel phy- 
sician, in contemplating such a scene as this, 
compelled to say — " Here is something which I 
never saw before. Here is something which my 
philosophy can neither explain nor effect. Truly 
this is the power of God !*' 

But the force, — the sublimity of this scene is 
greatly augmented, when exhibited by a yoeth- 
ful believer. When we see such an one — in 
all the buoyancy of life and hope — respected — 
beloved — just beginning to enter on the scenes 
of this dazzling and tempting world — having a 
thousand inducements to desire to live; — when 



171 



we see him calmly overcoming them all; will- 
ing to resign the world and all its allurements 
for infinitely higher objects; — nay, perhaps, 
rejoicing in hope, " with joy unspeakable and 
full of glory;" — this is indeed the triumph of 
Christian faith. This, we may say with empha- 
sis, is being a conqueror, and more than a con* 
queror through Him that hath loved us* When 
many read of such scenes having been winessed, 
they almost feel as if it were too much to be 
true; too much to be attained by poor human 
nature in this low state of gloom and conflict. 
They are apt to consider this experience as an 
attainment rather to be wished for, than expected; 
and if expected at all, only in the departure of 
aged, experienced, and far-advanced believers, 
who have begun to be weary of the world, or, at 
least, somewhat satiated with its transient pleas- 
ures. But, blessed be God ! I am authorized to 
say, that such a picture as I have drawn is no 
fiction. It has been witnessed a thousand times, 
to the joy and edification of beholders. We 
have sometimes been permitted to see it with our 
own eyes, and to find mourning thereby turned 
into joy.* It has been strikingly exemplified, 
within a very short time, by one who recently 
stood in the midst of us; whose life we knew; 
whose person we loved; and whose happy end, 
while it has filled our institution with mourning, 

* The author had been called, five days before this 
discourse was delivered, to take leave of a beloved and 
promising son, in the nineteenth year of his age, who 
departed in all the joy and triumph of gospel hope. 



172 



LIFE OF .7. W. BAR Re 



has also filled our hearts with thanksgiving, and 
our lips with praise. Yes, though ice were not 
permitted with our own eyes to witness the clos- 
ing triumphs of that young brother; yet others, 
qualified to appreciate it, were spectators of the 
scene. They saw him looking the king of ter- 
rors in the face without dismay. They saw him 
bidding farewell to all that is attractive here be- 
low, and even giving up his favorite mission to 
the benighted heathen, without a sioh or a mur- 
mur. O how powerfully and solemnly does 
such an event speak ! Draw near, in imagina- 
tion, my young friends, and see how a young 
Christian can die! See his composure; his ele- 
vating hope; his joy in God his Saviour! See 
him willing to leave the world, and all its tender- 
est attractions, and his countenance beaming 
with the hope of anticipated glory! See him 
evidently wishing the continuance of life for no 
other purpose than to have an opportunity of 
glorifying God in promoting the salvation of per- 
ishing men! — Surely scenes of this kind distinctly 
and strongly speak. They prccl iim, that there 
is a precious reality and glory in religion. They 
proclaim that there is a richness and a power in 
its consolations which no language can express/ 
They tell us the infinite importance of beginning- 
early in life to imbibe its blessed spirit, and to 
secure its blessed support. They pronounce 
happy, thrice happy, the wise youth who, in the' 
commencement of his course, secures that " an* 
chor of the soul, sure and steadfast," which alone 
can hold him safely on the troubled ocean of lifef 
which alone can effectually guard him from 



LIFE OF J. W. BARK. 



173 



being dashed upon its rocks, or swallowed up in 
its merciless waves. 

Ill* But further; when we not only witness 
the death of a youth, and a pious youth, but of 
a youth endowed with those excellent ta- 
lents, AND HIGH PRACTICAL QUALITIES WHICH 

promise eminent usefulness ; — there is a voice 
in the event, which speaks still more loudly and 
instructively to all. 

I know of nothing, my friends, more adapted 
to try the faith and the submission of a reflecting 
spiritual mind, than the premature, (as we are 
Wont to call it — and as, in one sense, we may 
with propriety call it) — the premature departure 
of such an interesting individual as 1 have de- 
scribed. When we see a young person, with 
much of the spirit of Jesus Christ; after laboring, 
it may be, for years, to prepare himself for active 
service in the Redeemer's kingdom; promising 
to be a distinguished ornament and blessing to 
that kingdom; and just, perhaps, on the point of 
being ready to go forth to the field of sacred ser- 
vice, amidst the raised hopes, and fervent prayers 
of the pious: — when we see him suddenly and 
unexpectedly cut down, and all the hopes con- 
cerning him apparently destroy ed;-— while, at 
the same time, the aged, the deerepid, the indo- 
lent, and the cumberer of the ground, are per- 
mitted to drag out a protracted, and, to all ap- 
pearance, a useless, perhaps injurious existence j 
—we are apt to be perplexed, if not to murmur. 
We are apt to say, with a doubting, though sin* 
cere believer of old — If the Lord be with us y 
hoiv is it that this evil hath fallen upon us 1 
15 



174 



LIFE OP J. W. BARK. 



As if He were bound to take nothing from us 
that we were not willing to give up; though it be 
his own, far more than it is ours. As if He 
were not at liberty to thwart any of our plans, 
though his own are always infinitely the best. 
This is an old difficulty in Providence, my 
friends. One that has employed the minds, dis- 
turbed the thoughts, and staggered the faith of 
God's people from generation to generation. 
But, though it be a mysterious fact, it is an in- 
structive one. It speaks. Yes, every such case 
speaks in most solemn and impressive language: 
— language to which it is our privilege and our 
duty to listen with the deepest attention. 

Its language is — Be still and know that I am 
God, Should it be according to thy mind? 
Shall not I do my will and pleasure in the 
armies of heaven, and among the inhabitants of 
the earth? And shall any stay my hand, or say 
unto me, What doest thou? Canst thou by 
searching find out God? Canst thou find out 
the Almighty unto perfection? Such knowledge 
is too wonderful for thee; it is high; thou canst 
not attain unto it. O the depth of the riches 
both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! 
How unsearchable are his judgments, and his 
ways are past finding out ! For who hath 
known the mind of the Lord, or who hath been 
his counsellor? 

When we see the great Head of the church 
laying aside instruments which appear to us 
eminently adapted to promote his cause, can we 
fail to learn, that he is able to carry on his work 
without any ©f us; that if we were all laid in the. 



LIFE OF JT. W. BAHR. 175 

grave, He could still raise up other instruments, 
and accomplish his work as well as ever ? And 
O, who would not desire to have it so? Who 
would not, with his whole heart, rejoice to live 
under the government of such a God? Let us 
learn, then, from such dispensations, to cease 
from man, whose breath is in his nostrils; to 
think less of the under shepherds, and more of 
" the Chief Shepherd;" to have our eyes, our 
hearts, and our confidence, more firmly placed 
on the Master himself, who alone is able to work 
effectually, and in whose hands the most able 
and diligent ministers are but instruments, feeble 
and helpless in themselves, and indebted for all 
they accomplish to Him who sent them. O, 
my friends, it is good to lie in the dust before 
God, and to ascribe all the glory to Him; and 
every dispensation which teaches this lesson, 
and leads to this result, is so far a salutary one. 

The death of such an one, further, calls upon 
us all to strive and pray, that we may live and 
die in such a manner, as that our life and our 
death may most effectually " speak" to those 
who come after us. The great mass of mankind 
are on equally mean and sinful extremes con- 
cerning posthumous remembrance. Some ap- 
pear to be perfectly regardless, — so that they 
may have their pleasures here, — how they are 
thought of by those who come after them. They 
seem to be willing to live unblest, and to die for- 
gotten, like the beasts that perish. While others, 
almost equally sordid, make posthumous fame 
their supreme idol. The first is to be worse 
than brutes; because it is degrading talents higher 



176 LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 




than theirs, to a level with brutality. The second 
is a poor, sordid idolatry, which even the wiser 
pagans saw to be miserable folly. Behold, my 
beloved young friends, the death of a truly wise 
and useful person speaks to us a more excellent 
way! It calls upon us to aim at living and dy- 
ing in such a manner as to do good — great 
good — by both: — to be so unreservedly devoted 
to the cause of God, of holiness, and of human 
happiness — -that every hour we live, our exam- 
ple shall be edifying to our fellow men; and that 
all who survive us shall have reason to rise up 
and call us blessed. Accordingly the psalmist 
speaks of it as a blessing to be desired, that " the 
righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance;" 
and as one of the curses of the wicked, that 
" their name shall rot." 

My hearers have doubtless perceived, that in 
the train of remark to which their attention has 
been called, I had a reference all along to the 
unexpected and mournful departure of that be- 
loved young brother, who was, a few weeks ago, 
in the midst of us, in perfect health and strength; 
with a heart burning with love to his Master, and 
with a desire to go forth to benighted Africa, 
that he might, by the divine blessing, win her 
sons and daughters to the kingdom of Christ: — 
who possessed also, as we believe, eminent quali- 
fications for that arduous and self-denying ser- 
vice; — but whom it has pleased an infinitely wise 
and sovereign God to snatch, as it were, in a 
moment, from all our fond affections and hopes, 
and to translate, as we doubt not, to a better 
world. 



UVE OP J. W. BARK. 



What shall we say to this solemn mysterious 
dispensation? Far from us be a word or a 
thought like murmuring ! It is all right. How- 
ever unable we may be to explain it, we know 
there is goodness, as well as wisdom in it all. 
He who has done it loves the church infinitely 
more than we love it, and understands its inte- 
rests infinitely better than the wisest of us under- 
stand them. But this dispensation says much 
to us. O that we may hear the voice which it 
addresses to us, and learn the momentous lessons 
which it evidently conveys ! 

The Reverend Joseph W. Barr was a son of 
the Reverend Thomas Barr, a venerable minis- 
ter of the Presbyterian church, in the state of 
Ohio. With the time of his birth, and the cir- 
cumstances of his early life and education, I am 
not particularly informed. He was, however, 
one of a large family of brothers and sisters, 
greatly endeared to each other; and among 
whom it would, no doubt, have been highly 
gratifying to all his natural feelings to have lived 
and died. After having been for some time, in 
his early youth, trained to a mechanical employ- 
ment, it pleased God to visit him with his grace, 
and to give him a taste for higher objects than 
this world affords. He then sought an educa- 
tion with a view to the holy ministry. After 
graduating with reputation in the Western Re- 
serve College, he entered the Theological Semi - 
nary at Andover, where he spent one year, and 
where he left a sweet savor of piety and zeal 
which will not soon be forgotten. From that 
institution he came to this seminary, in the fall 
15 * 



178 LIFE OF J. W. BA.RR. 



of 1831. From the first, we marked in our dear 
young brother, a good sense; a gravity and dig- 
nity of deportment; a uniformity and steadiness 
of character; a fervor of piety; and a sort of 
consecrated decision of purpose, which convinced 
us that he was not only a Christian man, but an 
eminently judicious and practical one; well 
adapted, under the divine blessing, to be exten- 
sively useful in the Church of God. I know not 
that we ever had in this seminary a youth more 
lovely and beloved; more adapted to command 
respect, and inspire confidence. We knew, be- 
fore he came to us, by a communication from his 
venerable father, that his mind was distinctly 
directed toward a foreign mission. And he had 
not been long in the seminary before it became 
apparent that this desire was strong and decided 
to a very uncommon degree. At the same time, 
all his disclosures, on this subject, to his teachers, 
were made with a modesty, humility, and a 
practical wisdom, which gave a double charm to 
the sanctified firmness of determination by which 
he appeared to be governed. 

But it was some time after he manifested a 
fixed desire to be employed in the field of foreign 
missions, before he ventured to express a prefer- 
ence, in favor of any particular department of 
that field. Provided he could be employed in 
proclaiming the unsearchable riches of Christ to 
the perishing heathen, he seemed willing to go 
to any part of the world where the Head of the 
church might send him. And he continued in 
this state of mind, so far as I am informed, until 
the plan of sending our beloved brother Pinney 



UFE OF J. V., BARR» 



179 



to the interior of Africa, by the " Western 
Foreign Missionary Society," was matured and 
announced. Then, for the first time, a specific 
object was held up to his view; — an object great, 
deeply interesting, and even, in some of its as- 
pects, sublime; but, under other aspects, in no 
small degree perilous, and even appalling. He 
calmly looked at the object; and with a prompt- 
ness and decision which became a Christian 
hero, he responded to the proposal—" Here am I, 
send me." 

I need not tell this assembly how much Chris- 
tian courage, how much disinterested zeal for the 
salvation of immortal souls were manifested in 
this determination. Think, for a moment, of the 
dangers to be encountered amidst the burning 
heats, the arid plains, and the pestilential vapors 
of the torrid zone! Think of the terrors pre- 
sented by the malignant climate, and unbridled 
ferocity of the men and the governments of those 
barbarous regions! Think how many robust 
men — enterprising men — men of the utmost skill, 
self-possession, and courage, have, one after an- 
other, fallen victims either to the deadly atmo- 
sphere, or the barbarous people whom they were 
called to encounter! Think of these things; and 
then say, whether it must not have been an extra- 
ordinary degree of confidence in God, and of 
^entire, setf-sacriflcing devotedness to the work of 
doing good, which could prompt two compara- 
tively inexperienced young men; — so beloved at 
home;— so capable of being acceptably employed 
at home; — with a distinct knowledge how many 
had fallen on that field; — O was it not exfraordi- 



LITE OF J* W. BARK* 



nary Christian heroism which prompted their* 
stilt, with a steady purpose, to say — " We are- 
desirous of going. Hinder us not. We are 
willing to go to prison and to death, if we may 
thereby be the means of introducing the glorious 
gospel into the midst of benighted, miserable 
Africa" 

In a few days after our brother Barr had de- 
termined to share the labors and the dangers of 
this great enterprise with his no less heroic com- 
panion, they both, by appointment, repaired to 
the city of Philadelphia, where they were so- 
lemnly set apart to the work of the holy ministry, 
by the Presbytery of Philadelphia, on the 12th 
day of October last, with a particular view to this 
service. I know not how many of those who 
now hear me were present on that occasion. 
Whoever they may be, they can testify, what 
solemn and yet cheerful steadiness of purpose on 
the part of the candidates; — what a weighty sense 
of responsibility on the part of the presbytery; 
and what deep apparent feeling in a crowded 
Christian assembly, appeared to attend the de- 
signation of the first Christian missionaries ever 
destined by the church of God, in our land* to 
Central Africa. 

" How did our hearts burn within us" on that 
memorable evening! How did we rejoice in the 
prospect of having two such peculiarly adapted" 
young men, engaged in an enterprise so pecu- 
liarly fitted to interest the feelings of every 
American Christian! Yet, with all the tender- 
ness and solemnity of that evening, I fear we all 
looked .much more than a holy God saw was 



LIFE OF J. \V. BARE. ( 181 



right, on the fitness, the eminent apparent quali- 
fications of our candidates; and too little to the 
power and grace of that almighty King of Zion, 
who can make the feeblest to triumph. And 
who can tell but that this sin may have cost us 
the life of our brother? However this may be, 
we " prayed, and laid our hands upon them, and 
sent them away;" — and hoped, in a few short 
months, to be told, that they had reached the 
field of their labor, and that the gospel of Christ 
had begun its glorious conquests, by their instru- 
mentality, in the centre of Africa. 

But the great King of Zion " moves in a mys- 
terious way, his wonders to perform." Truly 
clouds and darkness are round about him. His 
path is in the deep waters, and his footsteps are 
not known. Scarcely had this pair of heroic 
brothers reached the place of their intended em- 
barkation for Africa, before it appeared that the 
LoraVs ways are not as our icays, nor his 
thoughts as our thoughts. The angel of death 
was sent, in a most extraordinary manner, to 
" part them asunder;" and, while our beloved 
brother Pinney was left alone, — our no less be- 
loved brother Barr, was taken from his side, and, 
as it were, borne on the wings of pestilence to 
heaven. 

Such was the rapid and prostrating power of 
the appalling disease to which our brother fell a 
victim, that he had little oppori unity of convers- 
ing with' those around him on the great subjects 
w.iich were nearest his heart Both his strength 
and his speech were, in a great measure, taken 
away at a very early period after the first attack, 



182 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR, 



But he enjoyed the perfect exercise of his reason 
to the last; and was enahled to say enough to 
satisfy all who witnessed the closing scene, that 
his confidence was built " on the foundation of 
the Apostles and the Prophets;" that he enjoyed 
the " full assurance of hope firm unto the end;" 
and that he was entirely willing that himself and 
his fondest plans should be disposed of as seemed 
best to infinite Wisdom. 

So far as my recollection reaches, this case is 
a unique in the history of modern missions. We 
have many times heard of missionaries being cut 
down soon after entering on their field of labor 
and of peril. We have heard of their speedily 
sinking under the exhaustion of severe and pro- 
tracted labor, or under the power of malignant 
and rapid disease. But I know not that the his- 
tory of modern missionary enterprise furnishes 
an example, in all respects, like that over which 
we now mourn. An example of a missionary in 
robust health, being arrested by acute disease,, 
and cut down, before he so much as embarked 
for the scene of his anticipated labor. Over 
such an event we mourn. Mourn we mav. 
For devout men carried Stephen, the first mar- 
tyr, to his burial, and made great lamentation 
over him. But while we mourn, what are the 
sentiments which we ought to cherish in the be- 
lieving retrospect of what God has done ? 

Ought we to be discouraged, as though the 
cause in the entrance on which our dear brother 
died, is a hopeless cause? Far from it! Was 
that a hopeless cause in which the blessed Mas- 
ter himself was arrested and crucified? Was 



LIFE OF J. W. J8ARH> 



183 



that a hopeless cause in which almost all the in- 
spired apostles were cut off by the sword or 
the fires of martyrdom 1 Was that a hopeless 
cause in the defence of which Stephen and many 
1 others encountered death in its most appalling 
forms 1 No; far from it ! Amidst all the vio* 
lence of persecution, the word of God grew and 
multiplied. Nay, these very events, in the 
adorable providence of Zion's King, were among 
the means which caused it to grow and multiply. 
While one after another of the most zealous and 
successful ministers were cut down, by Jewish 
or Pagan violence, the great cause in which they 
fell gathered strength, and triumphed over all 
opposition. And those very events, I repeat, 
which appeared, at first sight, highly unfavora- 
ble, if not fatal to the Saviour's cause, became, 
contrary to all human calculation, the means of 
building up that cause in strength and glory. 
God, in the midst of what appeared to be unto- 
ward circumstances, was marching to the attain- 
ment of bis purpose, by a course far above the 
range of man's wisdom, or man's calculation. 

What* then, are the lessons which the dispen- 
sation before us teaches 1 What is the language 
which it speaks? I reply, 

1. It speaks a lesson of humility. It 
teaches us how short-sighted we are; — how little 
we know or can see of Jehovah's plans. 0, at 
what a vast height above our utmost vision is 
God carrying into effect the plans of his most 
blessed kingdom! He, doubtless, intends to 
teach us, that we are altogether incompetent to 
judge of lire w r orks and ways: — and also to teach 



184 



LIFE OF J. W. BAfitf. 



us of how little importance we are in his sight-* 
That he stands in no need of our services; that 
he can do without any of us. Humbling, yet 
necessary and useful lesson! He teaches us by 
this providence to lie low in the dust of humility 
before him, and to submit ourselves entirely and 
unreservedly to his holy will. Yes, from the" 
grave of our departed friend and brother me^ 
thinks I hear a voice, as from the mouth of Him 
who removed him— What 1 do, thou knowest 
not now. but thou shall know hereafter* Be 
still) and know that I am God. Have I not a 
right to do what I will with mine oxrnl A large 
part of religion, beloved friends, consists in sim- 
ple, unreserved, humble trust in God; — trusting 
when we cannot see what he is doing; — nay y 
when every thing appears not only dark, but 
most distressing and disastrous in its aspect, and 
in all its probable consequences. How unspeak- 
able the happiness of reposing in our' Heavenly 
Father, even when he hides himself in clouds 
and darkness: to be able to say, from the heart; 
— Though he slay me: — though he strike dead 
my fondest hopes, yet will I trust in him. 
Though the fig-tree do not blossom, neither fruit 
shall be in the vine; the labor of the olives shall 
fan. and the fields shall yield no meat; the 
flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there 
shall be no herd in the stalls; yet mil I rejoice 
in the Lord, J mil joy in the God of my salva- 
tion.— God is solemnly saying to us— " You 
were scarcely wiping to trust the life of my 
young servant with m£ in Africa; behold, it is 
equally at my disposal here and there! Behold 



LIFE OF J. W. BAR it » 



185 



bow easy it is for me to preserve alive, or to kill 
wherever my servants may be!" 

2. The early removal of our beloved brother 
teaches us, most solemnly, a lesson of holy 
diligence* It teaches us whatever we have to 
do, to do it with our might. Our beloved bro- 
ther Bar r always appeared to me to be indefati- 
gably diligent in his appropriate work, for the 
time being, whatever it was. 1 know not that we 
ever had within these walls, a candidate for the 
ministry less disposed to waste time than he. Yet, 
O how much more intensely diligent would even 
he have been, if he had known how short his 
career was to be! . How peculiarly precious 
Would every moment have appeared! O, to a 
young man who is here trying to make the most 
of himself for his Master's use, and who wishes 
to get ready to do his Master's work in the best 
mariner, how precious is time ! how immeasura* 
bly important are opportunities of either doing 
good, or getting good ! How covetous, how par- 
simonious of every hour ought he to be, in the 
light of what has lately happened ! How dili- 
gent ! How anxious to improve every talent in 
such a manner as to make it productive of the 
best fruits for himself, and for immortal souls ! 

3. The sudden and remarkable removal of 
our young brother teaches us a lesson of holy 
courage, as well as of deep humility and dili- 
gence. Among worldly soldiers, and especially 
among those who claim a character for bravery, 
it is a point of honor, nay of ambition, when one 
has fallen at a post of danger, instantly to step 
forward, to take his place, and stand in the 

.16 



186 



LIFE OF J. W. BARE^ 



breach. The worldly soldier can even covet f 
and solicit the place of peculiar exposure f and has- 
done so a thousand times. And even among 
the enterprising votaries of commercial gain, tte 
ardent young aspirant after wealth,: is willing to go 
to the deadliest climates, and to brave the most 
awful perils for the sake of accumulating silver 
and gold. And shall " the good soldier of 
Jesus Christ," who ought to be willing every day 
to face danger and death in the service of hi& 
Master; shall he shrink or be discouraged when 
one has fallen by his side? Rather might we 
not — ought we not to expect to see — when one 
has fallen — -five^ ten, twenty, springing promptly 
forward, and offering to take his place, and to 
bear the standard fearlessly and gloriously on~ 
ward to victory] Surely those scenes which 
have been, as I said, a thousand times exhibited, 
when there was no better impulse than that of 
carnal ambition, ought to be much more con- 
spicuously manifested, when the warfare is infi- 
nitely nobler, and the reward of victory infinitely 
more precious. Alas! "the children of this 
world are wiser in their generation," and more 
true to their principles " than the children of 
light." Suppose several, nay r half a dozen, or 
a dozen chosen missionaries to fall before the 
standard of the cross is fairly established in 
Central Africa— what then'! Military leaders 
are willing, on a deliberate previous calculation, 
to sacrifice a thousand, perhaps many thousand 
lives for the purpose of taking a single towm 
But what is the real state of the case in the in-? 
stances of mortality among missionaries that I 



LIFE OF J. W. BARK. 



1ST 



tiave now supposed? Why, it is, that half a 
dozen, or a dozen missionaries, are simply taken 
earlier than they expected, to eternal blessed* 
ness. But is this such a dreadful calamity as 
ought to strike survivors with a panic, and pre- 
sent them from undertaking the Master's work? 
■Courage, then, my young friends! This event 
powerfully speaks it. Be not afraid to die in the 
missionary field. Do not exhibit " good soldiers 
of Jesus Christ," as more dastardly than thou- 
sands of military heroes are daily seen to be, 
■with no higher motive than to get a name among 
men. 

4. Finally; our departed brother speaks to us, 
and exhorts us to be more devoted than ever 

TO THE GREAT CAUSE OF MISSIONS. I have no 

more doubt my beloved friends, than I have of 
my own existence, that if our dear departed 
brother could now come nack, and, standing, as 
he did on a certain memorable evening, not long 
since, on that spot — tell us all his present feel- 
ings and views in regard to the conversion of the 
world, it would be in language far more pungent 
and powerful than even the strong and striking 
language which he addressed to us on that occa- 
sion; — language wnich would thrill through our 
souls with unutterable emotion. He would tell 
ajs — but in words and tones which no inhabitant 
of earth can imitate — u Beloved companions ! I 
now see an infinite importance in this subject 
which I did not see while I was with you. I see 
a glory in Christ which I never saw on earth, 
and which ought to make you all willing to 
spend and Jbe spent in Ins service I see a value 



183 



LIFE OF J. W. BAER. 



in immortal souls, of which I often attempted to 
speak while I mingled in your counsels and 
prayers; but the thousandth part of their pre- 
ciousness I never uttered. let your prayers 
and your efforts in this great cause be an hun- 
dred fold increased; and even then they will fall 
far, far short of the unspeakable magnitude of 
the enterprise." He has net literally uttered 
these words since he was translated; but his 
death does practically address us in language 
still more solemn and powerful. 

The missionary cause, my young friends,, 
— by w T hich I mean the system of means and 
efforts for the conversion of the world to Christ* 
by means of the glorious gospel, is the great 
cause which, in one form or another, ought lite- 
rally, to engross the heart, and hands, and pray- 
ers of every Christian under heaven. It is the 
grand cause, for the sake of promoting which 
every candidate for the ministry ought to be 
willing to live and to die. The American Church 
ought to be roused — must be roused, to this 
great enterprise. And by what instrumentality* 
think you, must this rousing be effected ? Not 
by miracle, but by human means, by the labors 
of the holy ministry — God's own ordinance- 
Ministers must have a new spirit given to them.. 
But if ministers are to be the instiuments; and if 
their new agency is to be the result of a new and 
hallowed spirit excited in them — where is there- 
so natural, and so proper a place for beginning; 
to excite this spirit, as within these walls? 
O, if we could see 120, or 130 heroic youths 
here assembled, all of them burning with, the- 



life or J. w. bare* 



same love and zeal that burned in the bosom of 
fche beloved Barr, what impression, under God, 
might, not be expected speedily to be made on 
this community; and ultimately on the world? 
Every session in our seminary would be a sea- 
son for accumulating light, and heat, and strength 
in reference to this great subject; and every va- 
cation would pour forth into every part of the 
country, a flood of light and of feeling, marking, 
in every direction, the footsteps of some member 
cf this institution, so peculiarly devoted to the 
enlargement of the Redeemer's kingdom. 

I repeat, my young friends* the American 
Churches must be roused to the importance of 
this great object. And it is the duty of those 
who are now present, to take an immediate 
and an active part in rousing it. Our Master 
requires it at our hands. And is it not practica- 
ble'? In our own strength it is not; but with 
God all things are possible. My thoughts, while 
looking on this little assembly of six score candi- 
dates for the holy ministry, have traveled back 
with deep interest, to a much larger assembly, 
convened more than seven centuries ago, on the 
plains of Clermont, in France, when " Peter the 
hermit," as well as his master, the deluded pon- 
tiff, is said to have addressed a multitude of more 
than three hundred thousand souls, and to have 
roused them by their fanatical eloquence, to that 
wonderful point of excitement which prepared 
them to enter with enthusiasm on the Crusades. 
I have asked myself, — -Did an ignorant fanatic, 
by the fire of his misguided zeal electrify Europe; 
and, going from place to place, persuade millions 
16* 



190 



LIFE OF J * W. BARB. 



to devote their time, their property, and evert 
their lives, to an insane project, which deranged 
the order of society, corrupted public morals, 
prostrated the interests of education, destroyed 
millions of lives, and covered almost the whole 
Christian world with badges of mourning? — And 
shall ministers of the gospel, who call their 
hearers to a rational service; who go forth, " not 
to destroy men's lives but to save them;" not to 
corrupt or degrade their fellow men, but to pro- 
mote their temporal and eternal happiness; — 
shall they labor in vain; — plead in vain; — and be 
scarcely able to excite one feeling of generous 
enthusiasm, in the noblest :of all causes, in the 
bosom of more than one in fifty or a hundred of 
those whom they address? So it has hitherto 
been : — but let us hope that the opening of a bet- 
. ter day is beginning to appear. Let us hope 
that we may yet witness a feeling, and hear a 
voice breaking forth on every side in some de- 
gree analogous to that which, you remember, 
rent the air from the large and fanatical assem- 
bly before alluded to, when the multitude cried 
out, by .way of -response to the exhortation — 
" God wills it! God wills it! Let us march 
and plant the cross on that territory which be- 
longs to Christ.*' I trust we shall speedily see, 
what I am sure will be ultimately seen — that God 
does intend to accomplish much in this holy en- 
terprise by the young men of the present gene- 
ration; and, I fondly hope, by many of the 
young men who now listen to my voice. 

There is one thought winch has struck me 
repeatedly since I first heard of the decease of 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



191 



bur dear brother. I can conceive of one way in 
which more good may be accomplished by his 
death, than may be ordinarily anticipated from 
the successful ministry of an individual during a 
long life. Suppose the impression made by his 
death to be such as that this whole seminary 
shall be deeply and permanently the better for 
it? Suppose the whole devoted band in this in- 
stitution to be, from this time, as from a blessed 
epoch, animated with a spirit of inextinguishable 
zeal, ardor, and heroism in the cause of Christ 
— double — tenfold greater than ever before 
known; and not only to be thus animated them- 
selves, but also to be the means, under God, of 
imparting the same spirit to millions of American 
Christians? Would not the event be instrumen- 
tal in producing more good, humanly speaking, 
than almost any single minister does by the la- 
bors of a long and diligent life. 

4-nd, on the great subject of missions, let no 
jealousy or controversy arise respecting the so- 
ciety or board which shall be employed in pro- 
secuting the interesting, the infinitely important 
object. Let the object be, — without a single 
party feeling, — to rouse the whole Presbyterian 
Church to the missionary spirit. Let those who 
prefer the American Board of Commissioners 
for Foreign Missions," which we know has been 
long dear to the intelligent and pious of this land, 
come with all their hearts, and with a liberality 
worthy of Christian principle, and give their 
patronage and their prayers to that board,, and 
bear it forward, with their uttfiost ability, in its 
wise, extended, and successful efforts. And let 



192 LIFE OF J. W. BAKft* 



those who prefer a Presbyterian board, that 
youthful, but highly promising and vigorous in* 
stitution, in the service of which our brother fell 
—go and do likewise, " The Western Foreign 
Missionary Society," I am happy to know, is 
dear, and is becoming dearer to many hearts. 
We trust it is destined to occupy a large and 
glorious space in the great efforts of the day for 
the conversion of the world. Let there be no 
feeling of hostility, or even of rivalship, between 
her and her noble sister institution. Nor need 
there be any feelings of opposition or rivalship 
between the friends or patrons of these boards. 
We may love both, and pray for both, and help 
both, and, after all, there will be room for even 
more, in this wide world of darkness, pollution, 
and misery. 

Better times, I trust, are dawning, in reference 
to the precious missionary cause. God, indeed, 
seems to be arising to " shake terribly the 
earth;" but am I deceived in supposing, that, 
amidst these commotions, the spirit of missions 
is extending on every side? Methinks I see 
the darkness beginning to break away even from 
benighted Africa. Yes, if I mistake not, the 
thick clouds which have so long hung over her 
in gloomy sadness, begin to break away; the 
wonderful mystery of her wrongs and her deso- 
lation, seems to be solving. Even out of the 
slave-trade, and its deplorable fruits, He who 
" sits as Governor among the nations," is able, 
in the end, to bring great good. There is " a 
wheel within a wfcel;" but whether the wheels 
of Providence move backward or forward, 



LIFE OF J. W. BAER* 



193 



whether to the right hand or the left, they are 
" full of eyes," and manifest that He who impels 
them is able to bring good out of evil, and light 
out of darkness, and to make them all work to- 
gether for the ultimate advancement of his truth 
and glory. Amen ! 



( 



APPENDIX. 



Selection of Original Letters of Mr* Joseph 
W. Barr. 



KitfGEviLLfc, April 12* \mi* 

Dear and affectionate Friend; 

Agreeably to your request* 1 sit down to con^ 
verse with you through the medium of the pen? 
and let you know my situation and feelings. I 
am enjoying good health and getting along with 
my business tolerably well. I have conversed 
with a joiner who has ceiled a number of houses* 
He says it will make more difference than we 
calculated, and that it will cost one-third more 
than siding. When I left I expected to 
make you a visit this week, as next Sabbath was 
to be your communion; but circumstances are 
such as to make me conclude that it is not my* 
duty to leave here at present,-^ which I very 
much regret. The circumstances are theses 
We have just Commenced framing, and Mr. E* 
has to tear down part of his dwelling-house, 
when our situation here will be very uncomforta- 
ble till we get the house up and enclosed. I ami 



I 



196 LIFE OP J. W» BAKR) 

sorry, my friend, that it is altogether my worldly 
affairs that hinder mv coming at this time; for it 
seems as if they bore more weight on my mind 
than the things of the eternal world. But) my 
friend, if I thought it my duty to leave here, I 
Would rejoice to come and see you at this time, 
on account of your communion, and also pub- 
licly to say with Ruth, that thy people shall be 
my people, and thy God my God. The more I 
contemplate the subject of openly professing my 
faith in Jesus, the more plain does it appear my 
duty; and, also, more unworthy and unfit do I 
appear thus to do. But I never can make my* 
self any better, and it is only in the way of duty 
thai we can expect assistance from Him who is 
able to give it. I hope you will remember me, 
my friend, when you draw near to. the throne of 
grace, that I may grow in grace and in the* 
knowledge of the truth, and be enabled so to 
walk as not to give occasion to the world or of* 
fence to the church. 

I have enjoyed myself, the most part of the 
time, very well} have heard Mr* M. twice, Mr< 
T. once, and Mr. B. once, since I came here* 
Though my privileges are not so great here as 
in E., yet they are more than I improve or de- 
serve. I have been reading Doddridge on the 
Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul* He is 
a very close writer, and gives a good deal of 
good advice which I hope I may profit by. I 
also have been reading Obookiah; and his zeal 
and engagedness- for the cause of Christ, is 
enough to make Christians of this enlightened 
land ashamed. I have the privilege of reading 



LIFE OF J. W* BAUn* 



197 



the Missionary Herald. The accounts of the 
heathen given by the missionaries, and their 
affectionate appeals to Christians on their behalf, 
have made a deep impression on my mind: so 
much so, my friend, that I feel almost willing to 
say, " Here am 1, send me." You may ask, 
why feel more for the heathen than for those 
with whom I live and am acquainted. The rea* 
son is this: The most of these have the means of 
grace in their power, and it is because they will 
not that they do not profit by them; while the 
heathen, sitting in the region and shadow of dark* 
ness, are perishing for lack of knowledge; for 
how shall they believe on him of whom they 
have not heard? O that T could feel ib^j both 
more than I do! and could bear them more fer- 
vently on my mind to the throne of our Father 
in heaven. But it is now late, and I must finish* 
Though, my friend, I have not openly professed 
that the vows of the Most High are on me, yet 
I trust I own them in secret, and look forward, 
with some degree of anxiety, to the time when I 
shall be permitted to own them in public. I 
hope you will write to me soon, as it will give 
me much pleasure to hear from you. Receive 
my warmest wishes for yours and family's wel- 
fare. Give my respects to all my friends. 

Prospects are dull here. There has been a 
good deal of open opposition to religion, and 
Christians are, in some "measure, discouraged. 

Believe me to be your sincere friend, 

Joseph W. Bark* 

17 



198 



LIFE OF J. W. BARK, 



Ridge ville, October 26, 1824* 

Dear Christian Friend: 

I devote a part of this evening in conversing 
with you. Though I cannot sit down by your 
fire-side and converse face to face, yet, through 
the medium of the pen, we can cdmmunicate our 
ideas; and this is a great privilege to absent 
friends. Through the blessing of God, I am 
enjoying good health, and also prosperity in 
business: these are great blessings, and I feel, 
for my own part, that I do not prize them as I 
ought. Those blessings we enjoy for any length 
of time, grithout intermission, we are apt to think 
are a matter of course, and, therefore, do not 
value them as we ought I am getting along 
with my business very well; will get through the 
first of December, when 1 think of going to 
school, but where I do not know. I have heard 
that the academy in Talmadge will not be kept 
this winter. I should like to know what are 
your prospects of building next summer; for if I 
do not work for you, I think some of going to 
the state of New -York, for I have no work en- 
gaged for next season. But I will turn from 
this subject to the more important object of our 
lives — that of preparing for another world. And 
I wish, my friend, that on this head, I could 
give you more animating information than I can. 
Truly Zion mourns. The love of many is 
Waxen cold, and iniquity abounds. A friend 
observed to me yesterday, that the most were 
willing to confess the low state of Zion, but few 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



199 



felt it. This, I fear, is too much the ease. O 
that all the friends of Zion could be made to feel 
that it is high time to awake out of sleep, for 
that now is our salvation nearer than when we 
believed. But, still, there are some things en- 
couraging. Some few are more engaged in 
prayer than usual, and meet for social prayer. 
I saw Mr. B. not long since, and heard him 
preach. He was quite engaged, and I find it 
encouraging to be with such. 

With regard to my own situation, I know not 
what to write. Sometimes cold and stupid, to a 
great degree; at others, engaged; but, at all 
times, more cold and lifeless than I ought to be. 
But still I hope, my friend, that on the whole, I 
am making some progress in the divine life. 
The Bible appears more valuable, and I am en- 
abled to draw more instruction from it than for- 
merly. The deep depravity of my own heart 
becomes more visible, so that, at times, I am 
brought to loathe and abhor myself; also, I feel 
an increased desire for the sanctifying influences 
of the Holy Spirit, and for the prosperity of 
Zion. These last mentioned desires have in- 
duced me, soon after I came back from E., to 
devote a few minutes, every noon, to prayer, in 
reference to them. And, my friend, I hope I 
may have your prayers that the Lord would 
pour out his Spirit upon me, and grant me more 
the spirit of prayer; for I need it much. Wil- 
liam, myself, and another young man, meet 
Saturday evenings, at the house of a pious friend, 
for social prayer, by the recommendation of 
Mr. B. May we not meet you with others of 



200 



LIFE OF J. W. BARS* 



your friends, at the throne of grace, at our next 
meeting? Think not, my friend, that I forget 
you. No. I often think of you, and of the 
many friends in E., and feel anxious for their 
welfare, both spiritual and temporal. I feel 
anxious to know whether you keep Mr. B. Let 
him not go, for fear you may not get another 
soon, and the great Head of the Church remove 
your candlestick out of its place. How are you 
as a church] — yet cold and stupid, or have you 
awoke out of sleep? O that the Lord would be 
pleased to pour out his Spirit upon you, that you 
might yet see good times! His hand is not 
shortened that He cannot save, nor His ear 
heavy that He cannot hear; but it is our sins 
that have separated between us and our God. 
His promises are many and great. Let us then 
encourage each other to lay hold of them, and 
turn to the Lord, for he yet will have mercy 
upon us. The advice and instructions of Mr. 
B. have made a deep impression on my mind, 
and endeared him to me; and I cannot say but 
much of my future usefulness in the world, if I 
should be spared, may be through his instru- 
mentality in advising me to be faithful and dili- 
gent in the first setting out of my Christian life, 
as much depended on the manner in which we 
start. Give my esteem to him and his wife, and 
I still remember them in their last request. I 
still look forward to the time of being prepared 
for more active usefulness, with pleasing emo- 
tions, though I have not yet commenced my 
studies. An infidel who was conversing with 
me on the truth of revelation, observed that 



LIFE OF J* W. BARR. 



201 



Christians claimed that there was no other name 
given under heaven whereby men could be 
saved, but by the name of Jesus, and but a 
very few had ever heard of that; millions had 
died without hearing of Him; — and, with an 
exulting air, asked if these were damned, and 
where was our God of infinite love? Also, that 
few who have the Bible or the gospel preached 
to them, believed. Reflecting on this, I could 
not help thinking that Christians are criminal in 
not making more exertions for the spread of the 
gospel; and it also inspired me with a desire to 
go to them with the word of truth. 

I hope you will write to me soon, as I wish to 
know what are still the prospects in E. 

Yours in Christian love, 

Joseph W. Barr. 

Elyria, February 19, 1825. 

Dear Christian Friend: 

The stillness of a Saturday night invites to 
reflection on the past, and to anticipate the future. 
Reflection on the past calls to our mind the 
friends from whom we are separated; the many 
hours of satisfaction and dear delight we have 
enjoyed with them, perhaps with regard to the 
things of the world, but more especially, with 
regard to those things which pertain to our ever- 
lasting peace. Among my friends, you and 
your family do not hold a minor place in my 
heart, and I indulge the pleasing hope that you 
sometimes think of and pray for me in your 
family circle; for I need your pravers much, 
IT * 



-202 



LIFE OF I. W. BARE. 



being engaged constantly in such business as la 1 
very well calculated to lead the heart astray 
from the path of duty, and every enjoyment of 
God. This is bitter, yet it is a cup I often 
drink. Yes, even now, I feel at an awful dis- 
tance from God. It costs me many tears and 
hard wrestling in prayer to return. Such is the 
awful depravity of the heart, still I wander. 
Well can I adopt the words of the poet: " And 
shall I live at this poor dying rate; my love so 
cold;" and, may I not add, my faith so weak, so 
unbelieving of his promises? But there are times, 
(though seldom lately,) when the clouds of dark- 
ness break away, and the Sun of Righteousness 
displays his cheering rays. O how sweet are 
such precious seasons to the soul burdened with 
sin! Then we resolve never to forsake our God 
more, " but ere one fleeting hour is gone," we 
mourn and lament our wandering. Such are a 
few of the feelings of my heart. 

You doubtless wish to know how I get along 
with my studies, and how I am pleased with my 
situation. When I was in E., I could get but 
five or six lines a day, now I can get a whole 
page, and a lesson in my grammar becomes 
more pleasing. With regard to my situation, I 
can safely say, I am well pleased; and doubt, 
whether 1 could be better pleased in any family. 
Mr. and Mrs. Lathrop both, are warm, generous, 
and tender in their feelings towards, and treat- 
ment of me. They have a modest, amiable 
young woman living with them. I think I may 
say, we are a happy family. Dr. M. but a few 
rods from us; four young men, of good moral 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



203 



character, studying also but a few rods from us. 
Would that I could live answerable to my privi- 
leges. It is now late, and I leave it to finish 
some other time. I only add, time is very scarce 
with me. Good night. 

Sabbath night. — Another Sabbath is gone to 
the eternal world, and it will render an awful 
account against me. I have had no enjoyment 
either in public or private duties, but they were 
a burden to me. I am almost ready to say, 
when will the Sabbath be past? This is a dread- 
ful state. I have read Scott's (the commentator) ^ 
Force of Truth — a valuable work. I am now 
reading his life, which is one of the most in- 
structing biographies I ever read. He solemnly 
warns all who think of entering the ministry, to 
examine well the motives which actuate them. 

Monday morning. — I have been refreshed 
with another night's sleep, and the dark cloud 
from my mind is in some measure gone. I read 
Scott's notes on my Bible, morning and evening. 
I received a letter from father last week. Well, 
I can tell you, my friend, that my study-room is 
haunted; which is a great trouble to me — not 
that they appear visible, but by their awful sug- 
gestions. 

Let me know when communion is in E. Give 
my love to all my dear friends, and especially 
pray for me. 

I am in haste this morning. Believe me to be 
your friend, 

Joseph W. Bariu 



204 LIFE OF J. W. BARS, 



Brownhelm, December, 1825, 

Dear Friend: 

I have delayed fulfilling my promise to you 
some time, but not because I have forgotten you. 
No, my friend, although I am forming new 
acquaintances and friends, yet I forget not my 
old ones. 

Through the kindness and mercy of our God, 
my health has been very good since I came 
here; and also Mr. B.'s family. With the ex- 
ception of between two and three weeks, my 
time has been occupied in my studies, which have 
been Latin, Greek, and Arithmetic. I am not a 
judge of my own improvement. This, however, 
I can say, that it has been such as to prevent 
despondency or pride in my own mind. 

I have reason for gratitude to God, that I have 
suffered the buffetings of Satan but little this 
winter, in comparison with last; and this, not 
because I have deserved it, but of His mere 
mercy and goodness hath He bestowed it. 

In answer to your inquiries respecting land 
and society here, and future prospects, I cannot 
give you much information. I have seen but 
little of the land for sale in this place. I am, 
however, much pleased with what I have seen. 
The society is, so far as I can learn, the best I 
am acquainted with on the Reserve: sober, ho- 
nest, and industrious. A large proportion, for a 
new country, pious; and those not so, pay a re- 
gard to those things of good report. The past 
season has been as healthy here as any town in 



LIFE OF J. W. BARE. 



205 



this region, nor can I see any local cause of dis- 
eases why it should not continue so. 

I have finished the lessons of another day, and 
will endeavor to finish my letter to you. Could 
I sit down by your fire-side, and converse with- 
out that constraint with which I write, I would 
like it; but this cannot be at present, nor is it 
best. I have nearly finished reading Milner's 
Church History, in five volumes. I have found 
it very interesting. Indeed, the dealings of God 
with his people in days that are past, must be in- 
teresting to all w'ho feel any interest in his pre- 
sent dealings with them; and I trust, my friend, 
I feel a deep interest in the present dealings of 
God with his people, and I wish it were increased 
tenfold; for, on this subject, 1 do not think I 
over can feel too much. 

I have many trials, and, in my own mind, 
sometimes pride elates, then follows a state of 
coldness and barrenness altogether insupportable, 
I have many trials about my fitting for the min- 
istry; in all of which, I find the " heart is 
deceitful above all things and desperately wick- 
ed." I have taken a measure which, I appre- 
hend, will not meet the entire approbation of all 
my friends in your region, though I do not think 
any of them so unreasonable or so selfish, as to 
make very strong objections to it. It is this : I 
expect to go to Hamilton College in the spring; 
perhaps in April. My reasons for so doing are 
these: to hasten my preparation for the ministry; 
and because I can do it with less expense to 
myself, either in property or feelings. Professor 
Monteith of that place, has offered me my board 



206 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



for a college course, for my services during those 
hours not devoted to study in college; also, 
he wishes me to finish my preparatory studies 
under him. If I should go, it will disappoint the 
calculations of those who had hoped to see me 
enter the college located in Hudson. Should I 
be able to sell my land, in the course of a year 
or two I shall be able to finish my studies with- 
out interruption: a thing much to be desired by 
me. 

I congratulate you, my friend, on the prospect 
of your having a minister among you. I ex- 
pect to come to E., when the presbytery sits 
in February next, when I will be able to con- 
verse much easier than I do now. I have not 
received a single line from E., although I have 
written several letters. I feel anxious to hear 
from you. The state of religion in this section 
is very low. A few, here and there, embracing 
the truth, is evidence that the Lord has not for- 
gotten his church, though his people may feel 
but little interest in the welfare of Zion. When 
will the time come, when Christians will walk in 
the steps of their professed Master, and consis- 
tent with our profession. 

Give my love to all my friends. 

Yours, with esteem, 

Joseph W. Bark. 

Clinton, April 21, 1826. 

Dear and affectionate Brother: 

I have wanted a long time to write to you, but 
have been so hurried with my studies and other 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



207 



duties, that I could not find time. My heart, I 
trust, was rejoiced, when father communicated 
the intelligence, that he had some reason to 
hope that you had passed from death unto life. 
I have longed very much to see you, and con* 
verse with you about the wonderful love of Jesus, 
and exhort you " to walk worthy of that high 
and holy vocation wherewith you are called." 
Indeed, brother, this is the object of my writing 
to you. I know that you have many tempta- 
tions to withstand, and trials to undergo. The 
world, the flesh, and the devil, will assail you, 
in a thousand varied forms. I tremble, brother, 
when I think of your exposed condition, lest you 
should be allured from the path of duty, and 
bring a disgrace on the cause of our Redeemer. 
And first, let me entreat you never, for any con- 
sideration, neglect your Bible or the duty of 
secret prayer. If you are ever sanctified, it 
must be through the instrumentality of truth; 
and this must be applied to your heart by the 
Holy Spirit, which you are to receive in answer 
to prayer. When you open your Bible, it 
should be with the feelings of David, when he 
said, — " Lord, open thou mine eyes, that I may 
behold wondrous things out of thy law." Never 
read the word of God in a careless manner, and 
guard against a cold, formal manner in devo- 
tion. ' Another thing I would guard you against, 
is, taking professing Christians around you as 
the standard of your piety. This young per- 
sons are prone to do. But the Bible is the only 
standard of faith and practice, and the Lord 
Jesus Christ our only pattern. The Bible says i 



208 



LIFE OF J. W. BARRi 



" If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is 
none of his." Now, brother, what was the spirit 
our Saviour exhibited here on the earth? Read 
his life prayerfully, and you will find that he 
was a man of deep humility, and eminently a 
man of prayer. Active in doing good, self-deni- 
ed, benevolent, he always exhibited a tender 
compassion for sinners; in short he was holy, 
and we are required to be holy. Oh! brother, 
let there be an entire consecration of soul and 
body to the service of our Redeemer. If ever 
you would become eminently holy, or do much ' 
for the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom, 
and the salvation of souls, you must aim high. 
Let perfection be the mark at which you aim, 
and never rest till you have attained it. But I 
must close, although I have much to say to you. 
May the Lord sanctify you, and make you fit for 
his service here and meet for his kingdom here- 
after. 

J. W. Barr. 
Clinton, N. Y. July 8, 1826. 

Very dear Friend: 

I commence writing to you under the expecta- 
tion of much interruption. But I do not know 
when my situation will be different. My time 
seems wholly taken up in what appears to be my 
duty. You have probably heard from me by 
brother Samuel, to whom I have written. My 
health is very good, although I have grown poor 
since I left Ohio. My situation is very pleasant 
and agreeable, and favorable in many respects 



LIFE OF J. W. BARK, 



209 



to improvement. My progress as yet has not 
been as great as when with Mr. B.; it is ow- 
ing, however, to not studying as many hours, 
and my mind being occupied more about other 
things than when with Mr. B. My present sys- 
tem of instruction, however, is not as good as his 
was. Still as I now attend an academy, and am 
associated with other young men, the improve- 
ments in other respects may overbalance what 
might seem to be a deficiency in one point. 

10th. — I have just returned from the monthly 
concert of Sunday school teachers, of which 1 
am one here. We had a very interesting time — • 
teachers seem to feel their responsibility, and the 
importance of being faithful. The present peri- 
od in this place, is one of deep and awful inter- 
est. The Spirit of God has been at work here, 
and it now seems to be the turning point whether 
this people will receive a blessing or not. 
Things for a week back, have looked rather 
dark and gloomy. About the time I came here, 
the Lord appeared by his Spirit to call up the at- 
tention of his children to pray for the outpouring 
of his Spirit and to awaken sinners to a concern 
for their souls. About the first of June, a Mr* 
F. whom the Lord has made the instrument in 
promoting his work in those powerful revivals in 
Rome, Utica, and other places in this region, 
came to labor in this place. His preaching 
seemed to be attended by the Spirit of God, and 
many impenitent sinners were brought to make 
that important inquiry " what shall I do to be 
saved?" The professing children of God had 
their feelings aroused — some to come up to the 
18 



210 



LIFE OF J. W» BARK* 



help of the Lord against the mighty, and others 
to oppose. Meetings of inquiry were held week* 
ly, and many attended — prayer meetings fre- 
quent and solemn — religion was the subject of 
general conversation in the bar-room and work- 
shop. When Mr. F. preached the house was 
crowded, and never did I hear such plain exhibi- 
tion? of divine truth. His manner was that of 
Nathan to David, " Thou art the man." 

12th. — Dear friend; again do I commence 
conversing with you. To-day I had a short 
visit from Mr. R. and wife from B. river. It was 
very gratifying to see friends wdth whom I had 
been acquainted in Ohio. They brought out 
Mr. B.'s son; who is to live with Mr. M. I had 
an opportunity of hearing from Mr. B. and 
friends in E. But to return to the cause of Zion 
in this place. After Mr. F. had been here be- 
tween three and four w r eeks, he thought it his 
duty to leave here, on account of his health. 
His preaching excited a good deal of opposition, 
not only from impenitent sinners, but many pro- 
fessing Christians. There has been but little 
unity of feeling in the church. 

July 31st. — My letter will be something like a 
journal. The Lord still blesses me with health* 
There is not that attention to religion now, 
which there w r as a few weeks ago. One cause 
appears to be the removal of instruments, though 
it was doubtless the case that Christians became 
weary of the service of God, and did not pray as 
they ought. Still, however, a number of Chris- 
tians seem not to have let down their watch, and 
our prayer meetings are interesting. Impenitent 



LIFE OF J. W. BARE. 



211 



sinners are not much concerned — but few cases, 
of conversion now. I am not acquainted with 
the extent of the work, but would be safe in say- 
ing that between 30 and 40 are, in the judgment 
of charity, subjects of divine grace. We hope 
the Lord has not entirely left us, but will return 
and be gracious to us again. Sabbath before 
last, I was received into the church in College. 
The hand of the Lord has been clearly manifest 
in that church; — eight or nine members of the 
church gave up their hopes. Some of these, af- 
ter deep conviction, were brought to believe in 
Christ, to whom they had hitherto been stran- 
gers. Others have returned to their old stand- 
ing. 

August 5th. — It is Saturday afternoon, and 
having a few moments I gladly improve them to 
converse with you. I often think of you, and 
wish I could see you a little while, to tell you 
what the Lord has done in this region. I feel, 
my friend, that my conduct when with you was 
not what it ought to have been — no zeal for the 
honor of God — no ardent desire for the salvation 
of sinners. When I think of the state of the 
church I know not what to say to you. But 
something must be done by you, if you ever ex- 
pect to be in a different situation, or to receive 
the blessing of the Lord. The Lord will be 
inquired of for those things which we need, and 
if we come believing his promises, he will assu- 
redly answer and bless us. The powerful revi- 
vals in this section, have been in answer to 
prayer, but not to such prayer as I fear many 
among you offer up to God. People pray here 



212 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



just as if they felt that sinners around were per- 
ishing, and that help was to be found no where 
else but in God. Now my friend if you will 
only believe, you may see the salvation of God 
among you. If God should pour out his Spirit 
upon you as he has in some places here, I be- 
lieve it would indeed be a " day of darkness and 
not of light," Amos 5:18. So powerful has been 
the work, and so great the change, in some pla- 
ces here, that the enemies of the church say that 
the church itself has been converted. There is 
now a powerful revival in Auburn and Pompey. 
Mr. F. is the agent in the hands of the Lord. 

I have received no letter as yet from E. if • 
friends would consider how much anxiety it 
would save me, they would be more punctual in 
writing. I feel a good deal of anxiety to hear 
from you all, and no news would cheer my 
heart more, than to hear that you had aroused 
from your stupidity, and the Lord was blessing 
you with his holy Spirit. 

August 7th. — In reviewing my letter I find 
that it needs the charity of a friend to overlook 
its defects. I have cause for thankfulness to 
God that I have been able to pursue my studies 
without much injury to my spiritual welfare. I 
think I will endeavor to make the resolution of a 
student in Princeton my own. His first con- 
cern was to take care of his soul, next his body, 
and if any time remained, he would devote it to 
study. Remember me to all my friends, names 
I will not mention, but sister Mary. 

Your affectionate friend, 

J. W. Barr. 



tiPE or J. W. BARK. 21 $ 



Clinton, Jan. 31, 1827. 

Dear Parent: 

I received your two last letters in due time, 
and with all that gratitude and affection which 
the fondness of a parent's heart inspires. They 
relieved my mind of a heavy load of anxiety re- 
specting you, which had been increasing for 
some time. It affords me great pleasure to hear 
that your own, as well as the health of the family 
is comfortable, and that lam not called to mourn 
the loss of any of my friends, but rather to re- 
joice in the goodness of God extended towards 
you. Since I received your letters, I have re- 
ceived one from brother John in E., dated the 
23d of last month, giving me a sketch of his own 
afflictions, and those of Samuel's family, and I 
can say that I am afflicted with their afflictions. 
But while I tenderly sympathize with them in 
all their trials, still I must say and feel that the 
" Lord doeth all things well," and blessed be his 
name that He hath not dealt with us as our sins % 
deserve, nor rewarded us according to our ini- 
quities. The spirit of resignation to the dispen- 
sations of an overruling Providence which brother 
breathed in his letter, would be very gratifying 
indeed, if it was the genuine feeling of the heart- 
I answered his letter soon after receiving it. 
Your kind admonition, or word of confidence, 
gave rise to mingled feelings of pain and plea- 
sure — pain that any of my conduct had given 
occasion for it — pleasure, as it afforded me a 
new instance of vour affection, and of that deep 
18* 



414 



LIFE OF J. W. B.UIR. 



interest in my welfare and future usefulness 
which you have ever manifested; and I hope you 
will continue to admonish me as the spirit of my 
letters may demand, or your own experience 

suggest. 

Feb. 17. — I will now endeavor to finish my 
letter, though in rather depressed spirits; but 
time in his rapid march will not wait my feelings. 
My health is good, and I do not know that my 
depressed feelings are owing to any external 
cause, either of body oi mind. 

I this week received a letter from my ancient 
friend, J. D. H., whom I have not seen for near- 
ly seventeen years. It called to mind our youth* 
ful gambols, and carried me back to that period 
when the bond of friendship between our families 
was so strong, that we seemed but one common 
family. Strong were the impressions made on 
my mind at that youthful period, of social 
happiness; for time in his obliterating march, 
has effaced but little of their vividness. He 
thinks the prospects of religion are better in the 
Seminary now, than for some time before; also 
quite a degree of seriousness prevails in the vil- 
lage, and, within a short time, five or six had 
hoped they were brought to submit to Christ. 

I still pursue my studies, and sometimes flatter 
myself, with a good degree of success, consider- 
ing my situation. If I chance to fall behind my 
classmates, I console myself with the opinion 
that their opportunities have been much greater 
than mine; that they have not the trials and hin- 
drances of poverty to contend with that I have; 
thus making a merit of the situation Providence 



LIFE OF J« W. BABR« 



215 



has allotted me, in order to gratify that secret 
love of pre-eminence which lurks in the bosom 
of man, and prevent me making that painful and 
humiliating acknowledgment, that another is my 
superior. Notwithstanding the path up the hill 
of science is steep and difficult of ascent, beset 
with thorns and briers, still we occasionally are 
permitted to pluck a flower, which appears like 
an exotic, and is doubly grateful from its rarity. 
I am now reading the trial and death of Socra- 
tes by Xenophon. It is extremely interesting — 
his reasoning respecting the gods is very stri- 
king. 

Feb. 22. — I hope this will be the last date I 
shall make. To-day has been the concert of 
prayer for colleges. I attended meeting this 
afternoon in college — quite solemn and interest- 
ing. At present there is no special attention to 
religion either in college or in the village; but 
the Lord is still pouring out his Spirit around us. 
I suppose by this time you have received a copy 
of the report of this Presbytery, containing an 
account of the revivals the past year, which Mr. 
M. forwarded a few weeks since. 

Your son, 

J. W. Baee. 



Clinton, March 17, 1827. 
Saturday Night. 

31 y dear Parent: 

On the return of this evening, my thoughts 
vpty often wander home, and T almost imagine 



216 



LIFE OF J* W. BARR. 



myself seated in your family circle, and listening 
to your instructions, or, as it sometimes was the 
case, (and 1 doubt not is still,) see you with a 
heavy heart preparing for the duties of the Sab- 
bath. Such thoughts give rise to melancholy 
feelings, and even excite the tear of affection, lest 
we should not again enjoy the privilege of meet- 
ing in the family group. With such feelings I 
thought I would write my letters to you some- 
thing in the form of a journal. 

I have just now been looking over my Sab- 
bath school lesson in the Greek Testament, to 
see what explanations and what instructions to 
give to my scholars on the morrow. I have 
been engaged as a Sabbath school teacher ever 
since I came here. Much is doing for the cause 
of Sabbath schools, and much good is done by 
them in this region. God appears to be blessing 
this institution, and making it the nursery of his 
church. There are in this county, (Oneida,) 
about 70 schools, 700 teachers, end 4000 schol- 
ars. By the scholars giving one cent, and the* 
teachers cents a month, we shall raise money 
to employ a missionary the w T hole year, whose* 
business will be to establish new schools, and 
visit and encourage those already in operation. 
The influence of Sabbath schools on the well be- 
ing of society, is very great. It dries up, as it 
were, the very fountains of vice and crime. In 
proof of this, it is now said that there is not an 
individual at either of the state prisons in this 
state, who has been a Sabbath school scholar. 

28th. — I have just returned from school, and 
snatch up my pen to write a few words to you. 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



217 



I am laboring under a severe cold, hardly able 
to speak intelligibly, and am not fit for study. 
The term of our Academy will close in two 
weeks more, when we shall have a vacation of 
four weeks. I am at present reviewing my stu- 
dies for examination at the end of the term, and 
from the uneasiness and anxiety of my mind re- 
specting my standing as a student, I suspect that 
ambition, once the darling passion of my heart, 
has yet a strong hold there, and it calls to mind 
Watts' version of the 131st Psalm, 

*' Is there ambition in my heart, 
Search, gracious God, and see." 

I find that a state of competition, when united 
with dependence, is, to say the least, dangerous, 
and requires no ordinary degree of grace to keep 
alive a spirit of ardent piety. Nor do I some- 
times wonder that so many in this situation have 
had only the form of godliness. Few have esca- 
ped uninjured, the temptations and allurements 
attendant on an ordinary state of competition; 
who then can stand against them, when more 
than doubled by dependence? None but he 
who can rely implicitly on the promise, " My 
grace is sufficient for thee." 

30th. — It is now eleven at night, but I would 
converse a few words with you. I have been 
thinking this day or two back on our Saviour's 
declaration, that " the children of this world are 
wiser in their generation than the children of 
light," and comparing it with what is seen at the 
present day. The men of this world pursue 



218 LIFE OF J. W. BAKE. 



their schemes of pleasure or profit, with an ener- 
gy and perseverance worthy of nobler objects. 
No dangers intimidate them, no hardships fa- 
tigue, nor sufferings discourage them. Difficul- 
ties seem to give new vigor to their resolutions* 
and excite them to more active and energetic ef- 
forts. How different the conduct of Christians!. 
In pursuit of the only objects worthy the atten- 
tion of rational and immortal minds, how feeble 
their energy, how languid their perseverance. 
Frightened at the appearance of danger, they 
have no resolution to overcome difficulties, nor 
disposition to undergo suffering. I am ashamed 
of myself; ashamed of the inconsistent, I had 
almost said irrational, conduct of Christians. 
Should a wanderer from some other planet visit 
this, he would never suspect that we were indul- 
ging hopes of immortality, and that this was not 
our home. I now think of a passage in a sermon 
of Mr. Schermerhorn, (the companion of Mills to 
the west,) which struck me quite forcibly. He 
said, if the salvation of our souls depended on 
the sacrifices we made for Christ, very few would 
be saved. Good night. 

April 3d. — The midnight hour approaches, 
and all is still, — delightful hour for contempla- 
tion, but dangerous to health. Mine is better, 
almost freed from my cold. There are few 
things in which we incur so much guilt without 
laying it to heart, as in abusing the invaluable 
blessing health. Last Sabbath was our com- 
munion in the College. Two boys, the oldest 
not yet fifteen, were admitted ioto the church* 
It was . a solemn , season, but how soon do we- 



LIFE OF J. U. BAKii. 



219 



wear off the good impressions received, and 
break the solemn vows taken upon us while at 
the table of our Lord, and how kind and gra- 
cious is the blessed Redeemer in permitting us 
to come again and again to receive of the rich 
blessings of the gospel feast which we have so 
often abused. Goodnight. 

April 11th.' — Our public exhibition has closed 
this evening, and a termination been made of 
conflicting feelings in my head. We had a full 
liouse, and the exercises were quite interesting. 
Among other things, I have had my vanity a 
little, or perhaps in truth, not a little gratified in 
receiving the highest premium for writing and 
delivering the best oration. My subject was 
moral character. To appear before the public, 
and exhibit our attainments and talents, is no 
pleasing task where we expect to be criticised. 
It is calculated to call into action many feelings 
which I never would wish to pervade my bosom. 
But 1 feel exhausted, and need repose to fit me 
for the duties of another day. 

April 13th.— I have labored to-day at my • 
trade, and this evening attended a prayer meet- 
ing; but my heart was ill prepared for such a 
duty, and I consequently enjoyed but little com- 
munion with God-— could not approach near the 
mercy seat— my views of God and sin obscure. 
What a hardening effect sin has on the heart ! I 
can sometimes say I think in sincerity with Job, 
" Oh that I knew where I might find him, that I 
ai'i^ht come even to his seat." 

There is nothing very interesting here a*t pre- 
sent to communicate concerning Zion, Some- 



220 



LIFE OF J, W. BARR* 



times the appearances will excite hope, but they 
pass as the early dew and morning cloud. The 
Lord however is visiting several places in this 
section. 

It is now several months since I heard from 
home, and I feel some anxiety to hear how you 
all do. I saw mother's name in the Christian 
Spectator, as president of a missionary society 
I believe. I am agent of that work for this vi- 
cinity, which will afford me money enough to 
pay my post bill; this through the kindness of 
Mr. M. He expects to go to the Assembly this 
spring. You will please to write soon and let 
me know how you all do. I will write to Ger- 
shorn this or next week, and Thomas and James 
during spring or summer. I find but little time 
to write letters-. I hope you often remember me 
at the throne of grace. I have many trials and 
temptations to encounter, and need much grace 
to live in a manner that will honor the cause of 
Christ, and make me useful. My love to mother 
and all the little ones and friends. 

Your affectionate son, 

J. W. Barr. 

Clinton, May 25, 1827. 

Very dear Friends: 

It is now a year since I left your much 
loved family, in which I passed so many de- 
lightful moments, and I did not think it would 
be so long before I would write to you. I have 
been constantly employed, and time has passed 
along rapidly. Having a good opportunity of 



I.JM or j. w. sa&&* 22 i 

trending to you by Mr. M.'s friends, who are 
goinglto Ohio. I embrace it with the hope of 
receiving a good long letter in return. With the 
exception of a few weeks last fall, my health has 
been extremely good since I left you. I did 
enter college last fall for two reasons, li,, be- 
cause I was not quite fitted, and the other, that I 
could pursue my studies at the Academy to 
about the same advantage, and much cheaper. 
When I concluded not to enter, I wished I had 
staid with you. I mean not to flatter you when 
I say that I have found no instructor in the lan- 
guages under whose tuition I have made that 
progress that I believe 1 did under you. Since 
last fall I have read about four books of Livy, 
and in the Greek Majora, Herodotus, Thucydides, 
Xenophon's Anabasis Cyropedia and Memora- 
bilia, besides some in my New Testament. I 
write composition or speak once a week. Last 
fall, at our examination, I received the premium 
on Greek, a fine pocket Testament, and a few 
weeks since I received the highest premium for 
delivering tbe best oration at our exhibition, and 
also the premium on Latin. My oration was on 
moral character. But I am a poor scholar and 
■sometimes feel that I always shall be- — the more 
I learn> the more I see there is to learn. Compe- 
tition I find is calculated to bring into action all 
'the ambitious feelings of my. heart, and it would 
be well if they escaped a tincture of envy. 

I find a constant propensity in me to lose sight 
of the great objects in view in studying, and pur- 
suing them from wrong motives, Sometimes I 
love to linger along and .pluck ths flowers of 
19 



222 



LIFE OF J. W. BAHK* 



literature which come in sight, perhaps with th& 
idea at some future day of weaving them into a 
wreath to attract the attention of a giddy multi- 
tude. Sometimes the sight of a competitor ad~ 
yancing with more rapid strides up the hill of 
science spurs me forward to overtake him, and 
it would be well if I never thought of sticking a 
weight to his heels, I think now of entering col- 
lege next fait, in the Sophomore class. There are 
about 90 students in college, between 30 and 40 
of whom are pious, some of fine talents and ar- 
dent piety, who will make faithful ministers of 
the gospel. But there is not enough of a mission- 
ary spirit among them, few of them, so far as my 
acquaintance extends, have energy and self-deni- 
al enough to forsake all the endearments of civil- 
ized life, to labor among the heathen, or even in 
our mm countries. I wish to see more of a 
missionary spirit among our young men of pie- 
ty, for it omens well to the church at home, for 
his heart who is affected, by the sounds of mora! 
ruin at a distance, faintly telling on the ear, can- 
not be unaffected with the moral w r astes of Zion f 
and moral death immediately a round him. 

The present state of Zion here, is not very in- 
teresting. Some things have transpired lately in? 
this section, which seem portentous to the best 
interests of the church, 

June 23d.— Dear friend — I was very much 
disappointed in not sending this line by Mr. M.'s 
friends, who went away very unexpectedly while 
I was absent from home* Mr. L, called on me 
this afternoon on his way to Ohio,, with his wife. 
A stranger in a strange land, I can feel the force 



XIFE OF J. W*. BAER* 



223 



of the wise man's comparison, "as iron sharpen- 
ed iron, so doth the countenance of a man his 
friend." I still enjoy good health, and pursue 
rny studies with some anxious feelings, as the ex* 
animation for admission into college approaches. 

I have often thought of an expression of a 
friend of yours, which you related to me, respect- 
ing speaking in conference, " that there was 
always something to say and do where there 
was a sinner.'* I do not know any thing that 
gives me more pain to look back on, than the lit- 
tle I have done for the salvation of sinners around 
me; and yet I continue to pursue in a great 
measure the same course. To arouse from a 
state of inactivity and insensibility, to action and 
deep feeling, to bring all the energies of my soul 
to bear on this point, and feel that I have no in- 
terest separate from the interests of the Lord Je- 
sus Christ, to eat, drink, sleep, and labor for no 
other object but the salvation of souls, and the 
advancement of Christ's kingdom, would throw 
such a deep shade over my * past life, require so 
much self-denial, and need so much grace to car- 
ry it through, that I am ashamed in the one case, 
shrink from the other, and of so doubtful faith 
in the latter, that I cannot trust the promises of 
God, whose language is, " My grace is sufficient 
for thee;" yet such is the course, I would say to 
every Christian, which it is your duty to follow. 

Oh, that I were crucified to the world and the 
world to mel In looking forward to the work of 
the ministry, I desire to view it m its most self- 
denying and laborious aspect, that I may come 
to it prepared to endure hardness as a good sol- 



LIFE OF J. W. BARK. 



clier of Jesus Christ. I have lately been reading- 
some of Brainards memoirs, and feel ashamed 
that -I am wading along in the mire and dirt of 
this world, while I might run and not faint, walk 
and not be weary in the ways of holiness, as well 
as Brainard. I would willingly unbosom more 
of my feelings were it practicable. 

I hope you will write to me soon. I desire to 
know how you do, and how the little flock under 
your charge prospers. I cannot tell you how 
severely I felt your affliction in the death of Lu- 
cy Ann. I could scarcely refrain from weeping, 
so strongly had I become attached to her. Give 
my love to Mr. — , and — , and all those 
with whom I once met in the prayer circle. I 
send some letters and books for brother Sanrael, 
directed to your care; please to forward them.. 
Do write to me soon, and let me know about 
your college, and the state of things- in yourr 
region. 

Your sincere friend,. 

J. W. Barr. 

Clinton, Sept. 29, 1827. 

Dear and affectionate Parent: 

Having a good opportunity of sending a line 
to you, I cheerfully embrace it. The Rev. Mr. A * 
called this afternoon to let me know he was re- 
turning to Ohio. 

Through the goodness and mercy of our Goav 
I have been spared, blessed with health, and 
prospered in the labor of my hands, for which I 
esire to be grateful- Rut some trials of n\y 



LIFE OF J. W. BARE. 



225 



felth have been mixed with the blessings, and I 
have experienced some desponding moments* 
when my way seemed entirely enveloped in 
darkness. A sketch may be interesting; but I 
do not mention my own trials with a view of in- 
creasing yours, but simply that! may recount the 
dealings of God with me, and that you may re- 
joice with me in his deliverance and mercy* In 
my last, I mentioned that I was going out to 
Work by the month. After making several 
trials here in vain, I started for Oniskinny, dis- 
tant 9 miles, where I heard work was demand* 
<ed, but could not get employment. From thence 
I went to Whitesborough, 4 miles. Here they 
wished to hire, but because I had no tools or 
recommendation of my skill, they refused to em- 
ploy me. I then went to Utica, the emporium 
of this western country. On application to sev* 
^eral of the principal workmen, I found that the 
place was overstocked with joiners, and that 
numbers were going away. I was an entire 
stranger, without a cent of money; my feet were 
blistered with walking, both tired and hungry, 
having eat nothing since breakfast, being some- 
time in the afternoon. While thus wandering 
through the streets, seeking employment, I 
mel a young man with whom I had been to 
school for several months the past winter, and I 
borrowed 25 cents to get me something to eat. 
-Soon after I had the pleasure of seeing Esq. C. 
of C, just returning from the east. This day 
was the anniversary of the Western Sunday 
School Union, which was to meet at 4 o'clock, 
and I expected Mr. M. would be there. I went 
19* 



226 



LIFE OF Jr Wr BARK* 



to the place of meeting, and found Mr. and Mrs* 
M. and Miss H., also heard a number of very 
animated addresses, from persons of different 
sections, among the first of whom were Dr. L» 
of Auburn, Rev. Mr. A. of Utica, and Mr. G. 
of Peterborough. The latter is the best orator 
I ever heard. He is a young man of superior 
talents and attainments, a distinguished politi- 
cian, and a decided Christian. After the anni- 
versary I informed Mr. M. of my fruitless effort 
to obtain a place to work. He advised me to stay 
all night, not be discouraged, but make some 
further effort in the morning. It was now 8, 
when I started to look me up a lodging for the- 
night. I was partially acquainted with a young 
man from Ohio, who resided with his sister. I 
determined to go and find him, and tell him my 
situation. I found him quite unwell. He seemed 
pleased to see me, and was able to supply me 
with a bed. About ten I retired to my room, a 
good deal dejected. I was assailed with various 
temptations of the devil. At one moment I felt 
like repining at the Providence of God. I 
thought it hard that one so willing as I believed 
I was, to do something to assist me in prosecu- 
ting my studies, should be thus baffled. At ano- 
ther, I would sink down into despondency and 
gloom, and feel like giving up all effort. At 
length I took up the bible for relief, and turned to 
the 34th Psalm, in which David so positively as- 
serts the care of the Lord for his people, and 
found it precious and seasonable. I saw that I 
had not felt, that " except the Lord build the 
house, the workmen labor in vain*" but had. been; 



LIFE OF J. Wi BAUR* 227 

placing too much dependence on my own efforts, 
So much for the journey of a day . The next 
day I returned here, obtained work at 16 dollars 
cash per month; have worked my month out and 
received my pay, purchased a suit of clothes, 
and made some preparations for college. It is 
like commencing house keeping, and I have al- 
most all the expenses to defray from my own 
exertions. 

I expect now to take a small school within a 
few rods of the college, for the winter, for which 
I shall receive my board and $10 per month, 
and still room in college, and pursue my studies 
as far as I can. I have had bed and bedding to 
provide — bed and pillow of straw — bed tick, 
sheets, and pillow cases, plain cotton sheeting, at 
15 cents a yard. I have made a bedstead, and 
friends A. and B. have each lent me a quilt or 
blanket for the winter. My suit of clothes will 
be decent, comfortable, and I think durable, and 
the whole cost for materials and making, $14. 
It is now late on Saturday night, for I have writ- 
ten this long letter, besides reading a little, and 
doing some necessary things preparatory for the 
Sabbath, and I need rest to be fitted for its du- 
ties. 

Sabbath evening. I have been afforded 
another day of rest, and I think I can say it is 
delightful to wait on God in the ordinances of his 
own appointment. I heard Mr. Armstrong this 
afternoon from Heb. 12: 14. "Without holiness 
no man can see God." Was interested and edified. 
I think I can rejoice that God is infinitely holy, 
and requires holiness in his creatures, and that I 



£28 



LIFf: OF J. W. BAKU* 



love holiness, and desire to be delivered from the 
power of inward corruption, and conformed to 
the glorious image of the Redeemer* What a 
process is sanetification! It is compared to refi* 
ning metal, and if the great Refiner has under* 
taken a work within me, may I come out seven 
times purified. Pray for me, that I may be 
sanctified, body, soul, and spirit, for his ser- 
vice. 

Your son, 

J* W. Bam. 

Clinton, Oct. 1, 1827, 

Dear friend; 

The present life is a continued scene of change 
and trial. Sometimes we ride on the gale of 
prosperity, at others we are driven by the storm 
of adversity* Sometimes our heavenly Father 
seems to allure us to his arms by his goodness; 
he opens the stores of his bounty, and with an 
untiring hand strews our path with the blessings 
of his providence, and when this fails of bringing 
us to him, he hedges up our way by afflictions 
and crosses, blasts the fondest objects of our affec- 
tions, which were drawing us from him; brings 
us to pause and reflect, turns us about in our 
full course, and leads us in a way which we have 
not known. All the changes we are called to 
pass through, and trials we endure, have their 
object. Every event of our lives is of a disci- 
plinary nature. If we are vessels of mercy, 
God is thus preparing us afore for glory; but if 
vessels of wrath, we are fitting for an aggravated 



LIFE OP J. W. BARR. 



229 



destruction. I do not intend, however, to write 
a sermon, but was led to these reflections by re- 
volving in my mind the scenes through which I 
have passed, in order to recount to you the deal- 
ings of God with me. 

October 13th. — Dear Sir: I was broken off 
from writing when I commenced, and have not 
found time before now to commence again, and 
only now for a few moments, for the chapel bell 
for prayers will soon ring. I have entered col- 
lege, and been engaged in its duties better than 
a week. I am much pleased with the instruc- 
tion. I board with a farmer about sixty rods 
from college, who is a deacon of the church in 
the village. I am now almost entirely removed 
from under the patronage of Mr. Monteith, and 
have only my own exertions to depend upon for 
support, and means to go on with my studies. I 
expect to teach a small school, during winter, 
near college. This will deprive me of one reci- 
tation a day, which will be in the Greek lan- 
guage; and I am better prepared to lose a lesson 
in that, than in any other of my studies. I ex- 
pect to be up late and early, and study hard, in 
order to keep up with my class, and I fear re- 
specting my health, but at present I see no alter-* 
native; and if this is the way the Lord has de- 
signed for me, he will bring me through in safety. 
Hitherto hath he led me, and he hath not brought 
me up to this strange land to die for want, or 
even to be destitute of the comforts of life. I 
have some warm friends, and Providence has 
now cast my lot in a family, the heads of which 
are indeed among the excellent of the earth. 



230 



LIFE OF J. W. BARE. 



October 31. — I have just finished my lesson 
this evening, and cheerfully devote a few mo- 
ments to converse with you. After a long sea- 
son I have been gratified with a letter from 
home, having this week received a letter from 
brother John. I have cause for gratitude, that 
amidst the afflictions and judgments with which 
God has seen fit to visit the neighborhood of my 
friends, I am not called to mourning. Brother 
mentions that there is some opposition to Mr. — ; 
but it is from that quarter from which we can 
never expect any thing else. The church and 
the world are diametrically opposite in feeling 
and interest, and never can coalesce. Circum- 
stances, however, often prevent open hostility; 
but this is not half so dangerous to the interests 
of religion, as that open profession of friendship 
which conceals the dark enmity of the heart, 
and throws Christians off their guard, and then, 
like a midnight assassin, aims a fatal stab at the 
vitality of religion. But the greatest evil, at the 
present day, is, that professing Christians forget 
that the " friendship of this world is enmity 
against God," and are often found co-operating 
in those measures which seriously injure the 
cause of religion. 

But you will ask — what is the state of the col- 
lege? At the present time it seems struggling 
for existence. There is an influential minority 
among the trustees, for erasing the present mode 
of instruction and dismissing the officers, and 
forming it into a high school. The funds of the 
college are low, and they have reduced the sala- 
ries of some of the officers. Professor — , who 



LITE OF J. W. BARK* 



231 



was considered among the first mathematicians 
in the United States, has gone to Brunswick, 
New Jersey. This is a great loss to the college. 
Several of the students have left it already, and 
more are going soon. The religious state of 
things is not much better. We have no preach- 
ing in college, and, as a general thing, a la* 
mentable state of coldness and stupidity prevails 
among professors. Conformity to the spirit and 
maxims of the world is the prevailing sin. When 
I first came, I had to ask who were pious, for 
their speech did not bewray them. I trust, how- 
ever, we have a few who pray over the desolate 
state of Zion. The state of religion in this re- 
gion, exhibits nothing very interesting at the 
present time. Still, 1 believe, the kingdom of the 
Redeemer is on the advance. A deeper interest 
is felt on the subject of Sabbath schools and 
Bible classes; also, on the subject of foreign mis* 
sions* The fact, that a family from this place 
and another from Utica, have gone to the Sand- 
wich Islands, in the last reinforcement, has ex- 
cited a good deal of feeling and interest in the? 
religious community. 

But I must come to a close. My nealth has 
not been as good as usual, since I have been in 
college. I hardly know what to write about my 
spiritual state. I feel that I Jive far below the 
standard of the Bible, and yet Satan would have 
me believe my standard is high enough. I am 
sometimes sorely beset by this adversary of 
souls, who always finds a ready helper in my 
own wicked heart. " But thanks be unto God, 
who giveth us the victory through Jesus Christ, 1 ' 



LIFJE OF J. W» BARRi 



O how delightful it is, when temptations beset 
us on every side, and the fountains of corruption 
in the heart seem broken up, to have a clear 
view of the Saviour! I would sometimes hope 
that my desires to live more to the glory of God 
are increasing. I hope, my dear friend, you 
will pray much for me. I often turn my thoughts 
to E., and think of my friends. Give my love 
to all. I will soon write to brother John. 

Your sincere friend, 

Joseph W. Bark. 



Clinton, January 10, 1828. 

Dear and affectionate Parent: 

It seems a great while since I have received a 
letter from you; and I dont know but you have 
some reason to think I have forgotten you, or 
that time or distance has alienated my affections 
from you. But neither is, I believe, the case* 
I have longed more to see you for some weeks 
past, than at any other time since I left home* 
My apology for not writing sooner is, that my 
time has been so occupied, or my mind so much 
confused, that I could not write any thing satis- 
factory, and therefore delayed till a more conve- 
nient opportunity. This has at leugth arrived*, 
and I cheerfully embrace it. 

Yesterday my first term in college closed* 
The greater part of which has been a very hard 
one to me, being engaged in a school as well as 
studies. 1 have cause, however, for unbounded 
gratitude to the Father of mercies, for the health 



233 



1 have enjoyed, and the measure of success that 
has attended my exertions in the pursuit of 
science. I have been employed in keeping 
school better than eight weeks, and expect to 
continue about twelve more. I receive ten dol- 
lars per month, and board and washing. It puts 
me back in my studies, but I know not how to 
do better. My expenses are more than I anti- 
cipated. My tuition and room-rent alone amount 
to $18.25, this term: seven dollars of this for 
entering a year in advance. I have generally 
been pleased with my studies. I do not, how- 
ever, like Horace's odes; they are too licentious* 
Often times a stroke of indelicate wit, expressed 
in language highly beautiful, poisons the mind 
ere I am aware of its influence. 

I have formed some valuable acquaintances in 
college* My room-mate, a young man from 
Reading, Pennsylvania, has promising talents 
United with ardent piety. He belongs to the 
junior class, and is one of. our elders in the 
church. We have a society formed among the 
pious students, denominated the " Society of In- 
quiry/' for the purpose of collecting information 
about the waste places of Zion, and for cultivat- 
ing a spirit of piety and of missions. We. wish 
to have the state of Zion before us, to know her 
Wants and to have our hearts deeply interested 
in the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom^ 
and deeply imbued with the spirit of our Master* 
We have a large book in which we lecord all the 
information we collect. I wish you, if you can, 
to send me a view of the destitute churches with- 
in the bounds 6f your presbytery, as soon as 
20 



234 1IFE OF J* W» BARS* 



practicable* The number of destitute churchesj 
the number of members in each church; their 
ability to support the gospel; the general dispo- 
sition of the people to attend on the means of 
grace* &c; are some of the leading points 
which we wish to know. There is another 
topic on which I wish information. What good 
are our domestic missionaries doing? — what 
good might they do if you had more of them ? — 
and what is the want of them? I am appointed 
to plead the cause of domestic missions before 
one of their societies, at their next meeting, and I 
wish to lay before them, — the field of labor; the 
wants of the churches; the good that might pro* 
bably attend their labors; and encourage them 
to proceed from the good they have already 
done. 

The state of religion in this section remains 
about the same as when I wrote last; except, I 
think, there is an increased spirit of benevolence 
among Christians. Some few Christians seem 
to have tasted' the luxury of doing good, and 
others are following their example. Several 
towns in this vicinity are still favored with " re- 
freshings from the presence of the Lord." ■ 

/ village and — seem like the " bar^ 

ren heath which seeth not when good cometh." 
Sabbath schools are exerting a commanding in* 
fluence, both in church and society, in this secy 
tion. I could write more if my paper would 
permit. Mr. Monteith's family are well. 

. Your affectionate son, 

Joseph W. Bar*u 



LIFE OF J. W. BARK. 



235 



Theological Seminary, Andover, > 
December 13, 1830. \ 

MR. AARON K. WRIGHT. 

Dear Brother: 

Fatigued with the studies of the day, I seek 
rest this evening in conversing a while with you. 
The fact that I left my dear Sabbath school in 
your care, has given you more than an ordinary 
share of my thoughts. Often, in thought and 
feeling, have I walked with you to the log school- 
house, and been cheered by the smiling counte- 
nances of my once loved scholars. Methinks I 
can see you standing in the midst of them, and 
telling them of a Saviour's love. To-day I re- 
ceived a long-looked-for letter from Brother P., 
tand I can assure you, it was with no small plea- 
sure I learned that the school is still interesting. 
I well knew that I left you in a pretty difficult, 
and, in some respects, delicate situation, as su- 
perintendent. Unworthy as 1 was, I had secured 
the confidence of the parents, and the first if not 
the warmest affections of the children. In such 
circumstances, any one with much better quali- 
fications than I possessed, would still find it 
somewhat difficult, at first, to gaipthat confidence 
of the parents and that affection of the children, 
which, I trust, you now possess. I was pleased 
to learn that Brother S. goes with you. He is 
the very man I should have chosen; arid I was 
once going to recommend him to you, and then 
I thought you had better make your own choice 



236 



LIFE OF J. W. EAHH. 



of teachers, without any bias from me. Does 
Miss E. still attend? If she does, give her my 
best regards, and tell her I hope she will not 
leave the school, till she has fitted some of her 
pupils to take her place. I feel quite anxious to 
hear what is the present state of mind of Mary 
and Eliza G. I hope you will be more faithful, 
dear brother, than I was, and may the Lord 
make you more successful. It would rejoice my 
heart much, to hear that any of the parents or 
children had become truly pious. Tell the 
children for me, that I often think of them and 
pray for them. Tell them I wish to hear, very 
much, that they are becoming good children; 
that they love the Lord Jesus Christ, their pa- 
rents, and their teachers; that they are kind to 
one another; — in a word, say to them, they 
must learn to love and serve the Saviour, who 
died for them, and then if we should never meet 
on earth, I hope we shall meet in heaven. So 
much for the Sabbath school. I trust you will 
pardon my prolixity on this subject, as it arises 
from the interest I feel in your school. 

I am very much pleased with my situation in 
this sacred seminary. The facilities for acquir- 
ing knowledge are very great: a good library; 
the best of instruction: interesting society. All 
I need to make, respectable attainments is, dili- 
gence in business and fervency in spirit. Hith- 
erto my studies . have been confined to the He- 
brew and Hermeneutics. I expect, however, 
the class will commence the Greek Testament 
this week. I am very much pleased with the 
Hebrew language. I do not think it is half as 



LIFE OF J. W# BAftK. 



237 



hard to learn as either Greek or Latin. Profes- 
sor Stuart is the oracle here, and I think deserve 
edly so. I do not think that I have ever met 
with a man so ardent in his love of truth, and so 
indefatigable in his search after it. To say the 
least, he is " mighty in the Scriptures." The 
clock has just struck eleven, so I bid you good 
night. 

Thursday, 16th. — My chum has retired to 
rest, while, by fancy's magic power, I find my- 
self transported to the plains of the west, where 
dwell my kindred and my friends. When I 
came to the sentence in Brother P.\s letter, 
in which he says, " no term has opened with 
more favorable indications, as it respects a re- 
vivai of religion, than the present," my heart 
leaped for joy. But it died within me, when he 
said, " for eight or ten days the apathy on this 
subject seems to be complete." Why was it 
thus? Was God unwilling to bless you, or were 
Christians unprepared and unwilling to receive a 
visit from the Saviour? I know not why it 
should be so, and yet I have felt a good deal of 
anxiety about a revival in the W. R. college, for 
several weeks past; and I cannot but hope, that 
ere long my heart will be rejoiced with hearing 
that this is the case. 

I look back with pain and grief, on the man- 
ner in which I lived a great part of the time 
while with you. So careless in my walk and 
conversation; so little spirit of prayer; so little 
deep feeling of soul for the- salvation of sinners. 
I do not wonder sometimes, we had no more of 
the blessing of God while I was with vou. O 
20* 



238 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



brother, if you would save yourself bitterness of 
heart hereafter, live a holy life while in college. 
But I think of writing to my Christian brethren, 
as a whole, on this point, before long. So I 
leave it' for the present. You have doubtless 
seen, by the public prints, that this section has 
been visited during the past year with copious 
showers of divine grace. Many places are still 
enjoying them. The accounts given at our last 
monthly concert were truly cheering. One of 
the brethren has lately received a letter from 
Utica, New-York, which states that a powerful 
revival had just commenced there. Sixty, with- 
in a few days, had indulged hopes. The same 
letter states, that the work at Rochester still con- 
tinued with power; that six or seven hundred 
were already subjects of the work. All opposi- 
tion has ceased, and not even a dog raises his 
tongue to oppose. One more fact on this head: 
The revival at L., ten miles from this place, 
which commenced four or live years since, still 
continues. Conversions are taking place every 
week. The same remark will hold true of an- 
other town not far from this, the name of which 
has just now escaped from my memory. O 
what a glorious day we live in! And shal 
not enter with our whole souls into the spirit of 
these times? 

Two brethren from Auburn seminary, destined 
for the mission at the Sandwich Islands, spent a 
Sabbath here not long since. They expect to 
sail next Monday. They are choice spirits, and 
excited a good deal of interest on the subject of 
missions. I believe about twenty students in 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



239 



this seminary, think of devoting themselves to 
the missionary work. I have much more to say 
on the topics I have mentioned, and many others 
which I should like to mention, but my sheet is 
full. 

Remember me to all the brethren. I hope 
you will write soon. I long to hear particulars 
about your Sabbath school. J now teach a class 
of men from 29 to 73 years old. The class has 
fifteen or sixteen in it. There are some pleasing 
appearances in the school of which I am a 
teacher. Four scholars and one teacher have 
lately attended an inquiry meeting. 

Dr. Beecher will not go to Cincinnati at pre- 
sent. He is now delivering lectures on political 
atheism. No meeting-house in Boston will hold 
the crowds that flock to hear him. Mary H., 
who wrote one of the letters from Mackinaw is 
now at the ladies' seminary in Ipswich, eighteen 
miles from here. I hope to see her some time 
this winter, or next spring. 

Your brother, 
Joseph W. Barr. 

Andover, January 4, 1831. 

Dear Brother: 

" As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good 
news from a far country." Such is the thought 
prompted by your kind letter. I thank you for 
sending me no blank paper. I was pleased to 
learn that you were pleased with your situation 
as tutor, and that your appointment met the feel- 
ings of the students generally. I hope this will 
continue to be the ease. As you remark, you 



240 



LIFE OP J. W. BARK. 



are indeed in an interesting and responsible situ- 
ation, and I trust you will be enabled to fulfil all 
its duties. Rely on the promise, " As thy day 
is so shall thy strength be." I think I men- 
tioned in my last, that I would give you, in my 
next, some particular account of studies, profes- 
sors, &c, in this institution. For reasons which 
I doubt not you will deem sufficient, I must put 
off giving you that statement for the present. 
Your account of the religious state of my " alma 
mater," deeply interested me, and I felt as if I 
must write to my Christian brethren. The 
same thing was proposed to the brethren here 
from different colleges, at our concert of prayer 
for colleges on Sabbath morning, and it was 
agreed to write to our several institutions, and 
stir up the minds of our brethren by way of re- 
membrance. The remainder of my sheet I de- 
sign to fill up for the brethren, which I wish you 
to read at the concert for prayer on Sabbath 
morning. 

Dear Christian Brethren: 

Though separated by several hundred miles, 
I trust we often meet in spirit around the mercy - 
seat of our common Redeemer. This, I trust, 
has been especially the case within a few weeks 
past. Since I heard that God was manifesting 
himself willing to come and bless you, I have 
felt deeply anxious about your situation; fearing 
lest by any means you might grieve the Holy 
Spirit to depart from you. Especially have I 
trembled for you, when I remembered in how 
many ways my own wicked heart had led m# 



LIFE OF J, W. BARR. 



241 



astray, and grieved the Spirit while I was with 
you. 

Often from this sacred seminary do I look 
back with grief, on a great part of my college 
life, and wish I could recall the unholy influence 
I must have exerted on those around me. 

Permit me, brethren, to warn you of the dan- 
gers my own experience has taught me, and 
exhort you to avoid them, as you prize your own 
peace and the eternal welfare of your associates. 

The first I would mention is, the danger of 
neglecting secret prayer. Pressure of studies; 
attendance on seasons of public and social devo- 
tion, — will often lead you to cut short your time 
of private devotion, unless your hearts are very 
desirous of spiritual blessings. Especially are 
you in danger of this, when you have no very 
convenient place of retirement. When three or 
four are crowded in a room together, and per- 
haps not all pious, the danger is very great. 
But, brethren, whatever else you neglect, you 
must not neglect secret prayer, whatever may 
be the difficulties in the way of your attending to 
it. You cannot do it without endangering your 
own souls, and the souls of your dear compa- 
nions. And will you, for any consideration , 
jeopardize your own immortal interests, and the 
immortal interests of others'? If you would not, 
let your closets bear witness to your strong cry- 
ing and tears for the salvation of perishing souls* 

Intimately connected with secret prayer is 
holy living. If you neglect the one, you will 
most assuredly fail in the other. 

Christians, in college r are peculiarly in danger 



242 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



of exhibiting a light and trifling spirit and de- 
portment; a spirit and deportment above all 
others calculated to grieve the Holy Spirit, and 
cause him to depart from you. Nothing preju- 
dices the minds of the impenitent more against 
religion. They cannot believe that Christians 
believe their Bibles, when they are taken up 
with the vain and trifling things, of this world. I 
have no doubt that the great reason why there 
are no more conversions in colleges, or why re- 
vivals are not more frequent in them, is the in- 
consistent walk of professors. Let Christians 
exhibit the holiness and purity of the gospel, in 
their daily life, and sinners will soon begin to 
inquire what they must do to be saved. Yes, 
brethren, let your daily spirit and conduct be 
such as to carry conviction to the minds of your 
impenitent companions, that yov, at least, feel 
that religion is all important, and they will not 
long neglect it. And is this too much to expect 
of those who are bought by the precious blood of 
the Saviour? 

The last duty which I can mention now, as 
one which you are in danger of neglecting, is, 
faithful, affectionate personal conversation, with 
your unconverted companions. Personal con- 
versation God has often blessed to the conviction 
and conversion of many souls, when other means 
seemed to have no effect on them. But, while 
this is a well known fact, weeks, months, and 
perhaps terms, pass away in colleges, without 
a Christian opening his mouth to his impenitent 
companions, about their personal salvation. I 
know, brethren, this is a difficult duty, in some 



respects to perform, but not for this reason to be 
neglected. It is only when the heart is warm 
with love to our Redeemer, and the souls for 
whom he shed his precious blood, that we are 
disposed to perform it. Never does the glaring 
inconsistency between a Christian's profession 
and his conduct stare him in the face in such a 
manner, as when he would warn a friend of his 
danger, and entreat him to flee to Jesus for 
safety. . "Physician heal thyself," continually 
sounds in his ear, and deters him from what he 
feels is his duty. But the performance of this 
duty, brethren, however unpleasant it may be 
sometimes, will have a happy influence on your 
own lives. It will lead to more prayer and cir- 
cumspection. It will awaken deeper interest in 
the welfare of others, and lead to greater exer- 
tions for their salvation. Neglect not, then, I 
entreat you, this much neglected duty in col* 
leges. But kindly press home to the hearts and 
consciences of your companions, their guilt and 
danger while living in sin. Affectionately point 
them to a Saviour's dying love. Entreat them 
to repent and forsake their sins, and to cast 
themselves on the mercy of the Saviour. I 
have now briefly touched on three duties, breth- 
ren, which I know from guilty and painful expe- 
rience, you are in danger of neglecting while in 
college* My feelings would prompt me to say 
much more, if the limits of a letter would permit. 
I can only add, that the glory of God, the salva- 
tion of perishing souls, and your own peace and 
happiness, are so many motives -to faithfulness in 
the duties I have mentioned: motives which I 



244 



LIFE OF J. W. 



believe your hearts cannot resist, if you but hold 
them up before your minds. You have my 
prayers, brethren, feeble as they are, that God 
would pour out in copious measures upon you, 
his Holy Spirit; that your own souls may be 
refreshes, end that many who are perishing in 
their sins may be saved. For your encour- 
agement to labor and pray for a revival, (if you 
are not now enjoying one,) I would say, that 
God is now visiting some of the New England 
colleges. During the last term in Bowdoin, 
which has just closed, there were twenty cases of 
hopeful conversion. A letter received . from 
Yale college last week, states that a very inte- 
resting state of religion now exists in that insti- 
tution. Meetings full and solemn, and several 
cases of conversion had already taken place. 

That your hearts may be rejoiced by a re- 
freshing from the presence of the Lord, is the 
prayer of your Christian brother, 

Joseph W. Bare* 

Andovek, January 12, 1831, 

Dear and affectionate Sister, 1 

The constancy and warmth of a sister's love 
are proverbial. This makes me feel that? 
though i may sometimes forget you, you will 
not me. It is a source of comfort to me to think 
that, though I am separated from you by several 
hundred miles* still you will daily remember mey 
especially in your prayers. And, sister, I have 
much need of your prayers. I have had many 
severe' conflicts from foes within and foes with*' 



LIFE OF i- W. BAKB. 245 

out, rnnce I saw you last* I have seen and felt 
more the desperate wickedness and deceitfulness 
of the heart, within two months past, than per- 
haps I ever felt in my life. No power of lan- 
wage can express the awful corruption of my 
eart. What would you think, to see me walk 
my room almost distracted with mental anguish, 
and crying at intervals — M God be merciful to 
me a sinner!" 

After a season of such anguish, how precious 
has the Redeemer seemed to me. My distress 
of mind has not arisen so much from fear of be- 
ing finally lost, as from a view of the deep cor- 
ruption of my heart. I abhorred myself, and 
felt that if others only knew my heart, they 
Would think me a monster not fit even to live. 

I think I could enter into the feelings of Brain- 
erd, when he wished he were a dog; into the 
feelings of the apostle, when he exclaimed — " O 
wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me 
from the body of this death!" If I shall ever be 
so happy as to enter the gates of the New Jeru- 
salem, I think I shall be prepared, in some mea- 
sure, to ascribe my salvation entirely to the free, 
rich, and sovereign grace of God, abounding 
through Jesus Christ. 

But perhaps I have said enough about the 
wickedness of my heart, and therefore I will tell 
you a little about my life; which, however, flow- 
ing from such a fountain cannot be very pure. 

God has in mercy kept me back from gross 
sins, but still I feel I do not exhibit that meekness 
and benevolence in my life which the gospel 
requires, and which especially should be seen in 
21 



246 



those who are expecting to be teachers and ex* 
amples to others. As there is not much variety 
in the manner in which I spend my time, I will 
give you a history of this day, and then you 
will have the manner in which the most of my 
days pass, except the Sabbath. 

Rose at six: from that till seven was spent in 
reading the Bible, meditation, and prayer* From 
seven till eight was spent in attending chapel 
prayers, breakfast, and exercise. From eight 
till a quarter before twelve was spent in getting 
my Hebrew lesson, and reciting to Professor 
Robinson. From then till half past twelve I 
was employed in the workshop. Dinner, till 
one. From one till half past one, I usually 
spend in reading the Bible and prayer. From 
then till four was spent in getting my lesson in 
the Greek Testament, and reciting to Professor 
Stuart. I then spent half an hour in the work* 
shop. Then prayers again in the chapel. Sup- 
per at five. From then till six, I usually spend 
in meditation and prayer; though this evening I 
was called to attend a meeting of the missionary 
brethren. From six till seven in the evening is 
usually spent in some public meeting. From 
eight to nine in study, reading, &c. Nine, 
prayers in the room; then read or chat with my 
room-mate till ten — bed-time. If I wish to write 
to my friends, I have usually to do it between 
ten and twelve at night — (now eleven). On the 
Sabbath I attend preaching in the chapel at ten. 
After the first service, walk two miles and attend 
a Sabbath school, and return before service in 
the afternoon. After the afternoon service, I 



LIFE OF J. W. BARK. 



247 



walk five miles and attend conference. Thus 
pass my days rapidly. But I must bid you good 
night, and finish my letter some other evening. 

Saturday evening, January 15. — Dear Sister: 
I have staid away this evening from a prayer 
meeting of the students, which I usually attend, 
for the purpose of finishing my letter to you. 
How I should love to step into your cabin, and 
see how you are getting along! Sometimes I 
think I can see you going about your house in 
comfortable health; able to take care of your lit- 
tle ones. At another time, I see you prostrated 
on a bed of anguish. Which of these situations 
you may be in now, I know not. That one, no 
doubt, which God in infinite mercy sees is best 
for you; and whatever that may be, I hope you 
are enabled to say from the heart, " the will of 
the Lord be done." God has called you, sister, 
within a few years past, to endure great bodily 
suffering; and, through you, He has sorely af- 
flicted your friends. It may be well for us to 
ask ourselves, what improvement we have made 
of these afflictions? Have they wrought in us 
the peaceable fruits of righteousness? Have 
they led us to set our affections on things above? 
All the afflictions of this life are designed to 
teach us the vanity of earthly things, and thus 
induce us to seek more substantial joys than this 
world can afford. Happy would it be for us, if 
we were not so slow in learning that this world 
is not our home, and that we are not to seek our 
happiness from earthly sources. In two in- 
stances lately, God has showed me how easily 
He can embitter my sweetest earthly joys. 



249 



LIFE OF J. W- BARS, 



When I left the west, I anticipated no little hap- 
piness in corresponding with . Yet his first 

letter made me weep for a week, whenever [ 
thought of it. My room-mate I once loved as 
dearly almost as myself, and yet I have seen the 
time, within a month, when I could with difficulty 
speak peaceably to him. Now, if any one had 
told me before these things happened, that thev 
might take place, I would have exclaimed, impos- 
sible! God will have the Christian seek his hap- 
piness alone from Him, and whenever he looks 
to earthly sources for his comfort, God will dry 
them up. 

You have known something of my views and 
feelings on the subject of foreign missions, here- 
tofore- Since I came here the subject has been 
before my mind a good deaL It has assumed a 
reality, and the question has been: Will, or will 
you not, go to the heathen ? So far as the an- 
swer to this question depends on myself, it is an- 
swered: and I have said to the inquiry: " Whom 
shall we send, and who will go for us?" — " Here 
am I, send me." Yes, sister, I have devoted 
mvself to the service of my Redeemer, in carry- 
ing his gospel to the heathen world, if He sees 
best. It may not be that I ever shall be a mis- 
sionary. This may be an honor too great for 
one so unworthy. But if I know my own heart, 
it would be my highest honor and delight, to 
preach the unsearchable riches of Jesus Christ 
to dying Pagans. There is quite a missionary 
spirit among the students here. No less than 
fifteen or twenty expect now to go to the heathen 
world: some of them choice spirits. But we 



ItFE OF J. W. BARK. 



249 



want a host of Pauls, before the gospel will be 
preached to all the world. O when will the 
Christian church, as a body, awake up to the 
duty, the privilege, the high honor of giving to 
the perishing nations of the earth, the bread of 
eternal life! 

I received a letter last week from father, writ- 
ten a few days after he returned from the south. 

All well. He mentioned the downfall of r 

our old and constant friend. 

And is it possible, that one, who might almost 
be called the apostle of the west, is cut off both 
from the ministry and church? Who could have 
thought it! " Let him that standeth take heed 

lest he fall." Father also mentioned that 

had become his enemy. What a strange world 
is this! I suppose E. is in an uproar yet. 
Sometimes I should like to know what was the 
state of things among you, and then, when I 
think of the divisions, I am glad that I am so far 
off. I feel, however, for the church, and ever 
shall; for there our dear mother prayed for 
Zion; there our dear father preached and pray- 
ed; there did we consecrate ourselves to the 
Lord, and subscribe with our own hands to the 
God of Jacob. How then shall I forget the 
church in E. My prayer is, the Lord send , 
peace and prosperity. How do matters stand 
between Mr. C. and Mr. P.? 

Remember me to all my friends. 

Your affectionate brother, 

Joseph W. Babe, 

21 * 



50 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR* 



Andover, Saturday evening, ) 
January 21, 1831. \ 

My Dear Christian Brother: 

Your kind letter of December was received in 
due season, and was very refreshing to my heart. 
None but those who have made the trial, can tell 
how painful it is to be separated from friends 
that are dear, and how cheering it is to hear from 
them. 

Yesterday my heart was rejoiced by a letter 
from Brother W. All the information he com- 
municated was interesting, but none so much as 
that which pertained to your Sabbath school. It 
would be difficult for you to conceive how strong 
a hold that Sabbath school has on my affections. 
Oft have I thought of it. Yes, oft have I prayed 
and wept over it since I came here. Nor can I 
yet feel but that it is under my care. I think 1 
shall never forget it while " breath and being 
last." O how I should love to visit Mr. G.'s, 
and see Mary and Eliza, and hear them tell of a 
Saviour's love! — of what he has done for their 
souls! I sincerely rejoice that you are connected 
with the school, and I hope you will not leave it 
till you leave Hudson for good. Visit your 
scholars as often as you can. This secures you 
the confidence of the parents and the affection of 
the children. Be faithful and the Lord will 
make you successful. Brother W. wished me 
to send some word to the school when I wrote to 
you. Tell them, therefore, I almost wept for 
joy, when I learned that Mary and Lucinda were 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



251 



hoping in the mercy of the Saviour* And now 
I wish all the younger scholars to follow their 
example, and seek the Saviour while they are 
young. Tell them it is the earnest desire and 
prayer of their former teacher, that they all 
should give their hearts to the Saviour now while 
they are children, and not put off loving Jesus 
Christ and obeying his commandments, till they 
grow up to be men and women; that now is the 
time when they can best repent of their sins and 
love the Saviour. Tell them they must pray to 
the Lord Jesus Christ to give them new hearts 
— hearts to love him— hearts to love each other, 
their parents, and their teachers. Yes r my scho- 
lars, if you do not love Jesus Christ you cannot 
be happy here or hereafter. You canr ot go to 
heaven, where all good people go. You will 
have to be cast into hell, with all wicked people 
and devils. Do, then, love the Saviour who died 
for you. Pray to him, and then, when you die, 
he will take you to heaven. But he never will 
take bad children there: such as disobey their 
parents; tell lies: swear; break the Sabbath; 
quarrel with their play -mates: such as don't 
pray to God or love Jesus Christ — such children 
will be shut out of heaven. 

You will pardon my long address to the child- 
ren. When I began to tell you what to say to 
them, I seemed to be carried there, and saw 
them all around me as they once were. So I 
wrote as I would talk were I present. 

February 24. — Dear Brother: It is nearly a 
month since I began this letter. You must not 
think it is want of affection or interest, that has 



252 



LIFB OF J. W» BARK. 



made me delay so long. Since my first date, I 
have been contined to a sick room ten days, by 
a slight fever, brought on by a severe cold. I 
commenced studying again day before yesterday * 
I do not feel as well, however, as before I was^ 
sick. My head was affected, and when I have 
studied an hour or so, it brings on a dull head- 
ache. I hope, however, that it will wear off 
soon. To-day has been the annual fast for col- 
leges 3 and I cannot but hope that it has been a 
good day with you. I feel especially inclined 
to think so, from what Brother P. wrote me dur- 
ing your vacation. The manner in which you 
closed the last term, seemed to me to presage a 
good commencement of the present. I feel very- 
anxious to hear from you. I wrote to the breth- 
ren generally, about the first of January, but the 
letter did not reach you before the close of the 
term, as Brother P. said nothing about it in his, 
written during vacation. We have had quite an 
interesting day here — spent as follows: At nine 
o'clock, social prayer meetings, held in different 
rooms; half past ten, public prayer meeting in 
the chapel, when an account of the state of reli- 
gion in the different colleges in our country, was 
given by individuals previously appointed. From 
this account, I send the following items: — *Bow- 
doin college, twenty conversions the last year; 
present state of things very interesting; sixteen 
inquirers. Dartmouth, one tutor and fourteen 
students became pious the past year; state of re- 
ligion still interesting. Cambridge college, under 
unitarian influence; two conversions the last 
ye^r. There has been no revival in this inatitu- 



LIFE OF J. W. BARE. 



253 



tlon for a century past: still, two or three every 
year get sick of unitarianism and embrace the 
gospel. William's college, four conversions 
within a few weeks. A revival now exists in 
the town, which is extending its influence into 
the college* Yale college, five conversions the 
past year; present state of religion quite encour- 
aging. I gave an account of the W. R. college 
and others at the west. At three in the 1 after- 
noon we had a sermon from James 5: 16, last 
clause of the verse. Your college, I trust, has 
not been forgotten, and I hope ere long to hear 
that God is visiting you in rich mercy. One g of 
our brethren here received a very interesting let- 
ter from the western part of New- York, last 
week, giving an account of the revivals in that 
section. The statements are astonishing, and if 
true, (of which there can be no reasonable doubt, 
as they were made in presbytery, and sent here 
by a presbyterian elder,) must gladden the heart 
of every friend to the Redeemer's kingdom. The 
number of conversions in Rochester since Sep- 
tember last, is 2,500. 800 have already united 
with the presbyterian churches there. Among 
the converts are fourteen lawyers, twenty-four 
merchants, &c. In Utica, 300 have become 
pious in the course of two or three months. In 
New Hartford, where the work has been pow- 
erful, a select female school consisting "of twenty- 
five scholars, were all made subjects of the work 
within twenty-four hours of each other. The Rev. 
Mr. Wisner's church of Ithica. consists of 800 
communicants. All the families belonging to 
iais congregation, except two, are praying farm- 



254 



LIFE OF J. W. BARE* 



lies. AH the youth, except two or three, belong 
to his church. Does not this look a little like 
the millennium, u when a!i shall know the Lord 
from the least even to the greatest?" Who would 
not wish to live at such a glorious period of the 
church? I thought I should be able to finish your 
letter this evening, but it is now past ten, and my 
head aches so, I bid you good night to try the 
arms of Morpheus. 

Frida)' evening, 25th. — Brother W, inquired 
why I did not write to the Society of Inquiry* 
My answer is, I have not had time. I hope,, 
however, to find time before the term closes* 
"The corresponding secretary told me a few days 
since, that he had written to you. As soon as 
I can, I will send you an account of the society 
here; how conducted, &c« There is quite a 
missionary spirit in this institution. In the three 
classes, there are more than twenty who now 
think of going to the heathen, if the A* B. C. F* 
Missions will send them. I send you a catalogue 
with this letter, with the individuals marked. M* 
stands for missionaries; W. for Western men.. 
I have marked no western men in the middle 
and junior classes, because they are not yet fully 
known. 

I hope you will not give up the idea of devot- 
ing yourself to the work of carrying the gospel 
to the heathen. Tell Brother W., I thauk him 
for his kind and long letter* Remember me to 
all the brethren, and my beloved instructors. I 
wish, also, you would remember me to Deacon fu 
and family. He was one of my warmest and 
dearest friends. 

Write to me soon, a lone letter about matters. 



LIFE OF J. \V% iBARR* 



255 



&nd things in general. Especially do I wish to 
know about the revivals on the Reserve. Dear 
, brother pray for me that I may be more devoted 
to the service of our Redeemer* 

Saturday morning.—- Dear brother: We have 
just heard from Yale college. A powerful revi* 
val has just commenced there; eight or ten con- 
Versions within forty-eight hours; fifty attend 
the inquiry meeting. We have, also, just heard 
from Union college; very interesting state of 
things; some conversions* The Lord seems* 
indeed, to have anticipated, as it were, the pray- 
ers of his people; or rather, it is a fulfilment of 
the declaration: " Before they call I will hear." 
Brother, pray; again I say, pray. 

Your affectionate brother in Christ, 

Joseph W. Barr. 

Princeton, February 21, 1832. 

My Dear Father* 

I believe you owe me a letter, but not feeling 
very well, and being unfit for mental application, 
I thought I would converse a little with you this 
evening* I have so many things to write about, 
that it is difficult to make a selection of topics \ 
since I cannot write about all. I thought to-day 
I should like to consult you about placing myself 
under the care of some presbytery, with a view 
of taking license some time next year. Some of 
the students are under the care of the Philadel- 
phia presbytery; some of the New-York; and 
some under presbyteries in this state. From 
^'hat I have heard, I think I should prefer the 



258 



LIFE OF J. W. BAKU* 



Philadelphia, October 20, 1832, 

My Dear Father: 

I received yours of the 3d, this week. I was 
glad to hear from you, and should be pleased to 
answer your letter in full, but I am not able so to- 
do now. It is one o'clock at night, and I must 
take the steam-boat for Baltimore at six. From 
there I shall go to Norfolk, where the ship in 
which we are to sail now is. If our instructions 
reach us from Pittsburgh, we shall sail by the 
25th. If they are not sent out to us at Norfolk, 
we shall wait for another vessel, which is to sail 
from Savannah about the 20th of next month* 
Brother Pinney is in good health and spirits. 
We had an interesting prayer meeting this even- 
ing, in Mr. Winchester's session-room, in refer- 
ence to our departure to-day, as the time is now. 
I found it good to be there. 

I have been very kindly treated by Mr. and 
Mrs. Engles. I shall long remember them. 
Other friends also have been very kind. Dr. 
Green is deeply interested in the mission. 

I forgot to say any thing about the ordination. 
It took place on the 12th of this month, in Mr, 
Winchester's church. Dr. Green presided, and 
made the consecrating prayer. Dr. Alexander 
preached the sermon, from the text — " Go ye 
into all the world," &c. It was an excellent 
one. Dr. Miller delivered the charge. 

It was a solemn occasion to me, and the in- 
fluence of it, I hope, will not soon be lost upon 



LIFE OF J . W. BARS* 



me. The next day I went to New- York, and 
preached twice on the following Sabbath. 

Dr. Phillips' church paid Brother Swift $600 
for my support. 

If I can find time, I will drop a line from Nor- 
folk as we are about to sail. 

Love to mother and all the family. 

Your affectionate son, 

Joseph W. Bars. 



258 



LIFE OF J. W. BAKR. 



Philadelphia, October 20, 1832, 

My Dear Father: 

I received yours of the 3d, this week. I was 
glad to hear from you, and should be pleased to 
answer your letter in full, but I am not able so to 
do now. It is one o'clock at night, and I must 
take the steam-boat for Baltimore at six. From 
there I shall go to Norfolk, where the ship in 
which we are to sail now is. If our instructions 
reach us from Pittsburgh, we shall sail by the 
25th. If they are not sent out to us at Norfolk, 
we shall wait for another vessel, which is to sail 
from Savannah about the 20th of next monthr 
Brother Pinney is in good health and spirits. 
We had an interesting prayer meeting this even- 
ing, in Mr. Winchester's session-room, in refer- 
ence to our departure to-day, as the time is now. 
I found it good to be there. 

I have been very kindly treated by Mr. and 
Mrs. Engles. I shall long remember them- 
Other friends also have been very kind. Dr. 
Green is deeply interested in the mission. 

I forgot to say any thing about the ordination. 
It took place on the 12th of this month, in Mr. 
Winchester's church. Dr. Green presided, and 
made the consecrating prayer. Dr. Alexander 
preached the sermon, from the text — " Go ye 
into all the world," &c. It was an excellent 
one. Dr. Miller delivered the charge. 

It was a solemn occasion to me, and the in- 
fluence of it, I hope, will not soon be lost upon 



LIFE OF J. W. BARS, 



me. The next day I went to New- York, and 
preached twice on the following Sabbath. 

Dr. Phillips' church paid Brother Swift $600 
for my support. 

If I can find time, I will drop a line from Nor- 
folk as we are about to sail. 

Love to mother and all the family. 

Your affectionate son, 

Joseph W. Baeb, 



(Note A.) 



In the summer of 1828. Brother Barr mine 
to Hudson from Hamilton college. The students 
of the Western Reserve college, to whom he im- 
mediately introduced himself, were much inte^ 
rested in his appearance and manners; and those 
of them who loved the cause of Christ, were 
greatly animated by the early exhibitions of his 
zeal for God, and love for souls. He seemed 
desirous of being known immediately as a Chris- 
tian; and scarcely a day had elapsed, before 
many little tracts and pamphlets, which he had 
brought in his trunk, were in circulation through 
the college. One of these, of which he had 
many copies, was an interesting " Appeal to the 
people of the United States, in behalf of Sabbath 
schools." He seemed very desirous that it 
should be read by every student. 

The summer term of college had nearly ex- 
pired, and it was not till the next term that he 
became a member of the junior class. The in- 
tervening time, if my memory is faithful, was 
partly spent in visiting his friends in this vicinity „ 
and during the remainder, he was confined te 
his boarding-house with ophthalmia. Soon after 
his arrival, however, and before his illness, he 
was frequently found in evening conference 
meetings, laboring with zeal and holy boldness 
for the edification of Christians, and the conver- 
sion of sinners * 



•LIFE OF J. W. BAKK. 



To attend these meetings, in different districts 
of the township, was his constant practice, for a 
number of months, while the regulations of col- 
lege would permit. And with respect to the 
course he adopted in these little but important 
labors, it might be observed here, that it was his 
uniform practice to prepare something that he 
might communicate. His exhortations were 
never the offspring of a momentary excitement, 
though they came with warmth and tenderness. 
While walking to one of these meetings, he in- 
quired of a fellow student what he was going to 
say. His companion replied, that he could not 
tell; he should wait to know what subject should 
come before the meeting. " I always spend 
some time in my room," he said, " to arrange 
my thoughts on some subject for remark in the 
meeting." This practice, though attended with 
some inconveniencies when the exercises of the 
meeting were conducted by another person, he 
proved to be worthy of imitation. For what he 
had to say was so well digested, that his hearers 
were not only interested and pleased, but pro- 
fited. The citizens of the place, I doubt not, 
still retain the substance of many of his touching 
appeals. 

Soon after he became a member of college 5 
Brother Barr exerted his influence to establish a 
Sabbath morning prayer-meeting; the object of 
which was to present supplications for the col- 
leges and institutions of learning, throughout our 
country and the world, before the throne. In 
his effort to accomplish this he was successful; 
and from that time to the present, those meeting? 



262 



LIFE OF J. W. BARK* 



have been constantly and regularly continued^ 
In these meetings, as well as in our weekly 
prayer-meetings on Thursday evenings, he was 
uniformly found, and always prepared to encour- 
age and stimulate his Christian brethren, by his 
warm and pungent appeals, so long as he re- 
mained a member of the institution. It was re- 
freshing to every Christian heart to listen to the 
words that dropped from his lips. There was 
such a richness of thought, clothed with such a 
sacredness of manner, that all of our little group 
" took knowledge of him that he had been with 
Jesus." The character of the Saviour was his 
favorite theme. He delighted in holding it up as 
an example to his brethren; and when dwelling 
upon the infinite benevolence that was exhibited 
in his mission to our fallen world, his soul 
seemed to rise from earth, and enjoy the highest 
bliss, " in wonder, love, and praise." 

In our meetings on Sabbath mornings, his eye 
was constantly fixed on the six hundred millions 
of the heathen world. It was here that he 
found the grand impelling motive to prayer 
for colleges. These institutions he regarded as 
so many fountains, destined to send their waters 
to every part of our thirsty planet. That our 
world should be redeemed, then, and that the 
gospel light should be diffused throughout all its 
darkened nations, the renovating and sanctifying 
influences of the Spirit of God upon seminaries 
of learning was, in his estimation, a blessing 
most earnestly to be desired and prayed far, by 
the Christian community. 

As a student, Ban* soon distinguished himself 



LIFE or J. W. BARK. 



263 



He was anxious to employ all the means within 
his reach to improve his intellect. He scorned 
the thought of going into the service of his Re- 
deemer, as a preacher of the gospel, with an un- 
cultivated, ill-shapen mind. Soon after his ar- 
rival at college, he exerted himself to form a 
literary society, for the benefit of himself and 
others in this respect. As the institution was 
new, no such society had been organized. In 
the formation of its constitution, he w as a princi- 
pal agent; and deserves a large share of the 
credit due to its founders. The society still re- 
tains the impress of his fingers. 

In the cause of temperance he immediately 
engaged with his whole soul. Cold water was 
his only beverage; and he was anxious that 
every student should adopt the same habit of entire 
abstinence, — not only from alcoholic drinks, but 
also from tea, coffee, tobacco, &c. Doubtless to 
his abstemious habits he was indebted for that 
vigor, corporeal and intellectual, which gave ef- 
ficiency to all his efforts in the cause of God. 

He confined not his efforts in behalf of Chris- 
tian temperance to the college. Placed at the 
head of a temperance society, formerly existing 
in that institution, he labored to extend the influ- 
ence of that society to the citizens of the neigh- 
boring townships. Little had been done in this 
section of the country, at that time, for this ob- 
ject; and he earnestly desired to adopt some 
measures that should awaken the public mind 
more thoroughly to this subject. A plan was 
suggested to him by a Christian brother, from 
the Mackinaw mission. It was to number the 



264 



XIFE OF J. W. BARK. 



intemperate citizens of the county, and ascertain 
also the quantity of grain distilled; the amount 
of whisky made; the number of distilleries, &c. 
Barr called the society together: proposed the 
plan; pleaded earnestly that it might be adopted; 
and rejoiced in the success of the project. An 
impulse was given to temperance which the 
country still feels. To this effort he alludes in 
his private diary, as follows: 

"January 17, 1829. — I have neglected my 
journal for more than a week, because of the 
pressure of studies, and some business. I have 
been assisting in collecting and laying before the 
public, some facts on the subject of intemperance. 
The extent of this' evil is astonishing; and still 
more astonishing is the apathy with which 
Christians view it." 

During the month of March, 1829, he was 
employed as an agent for the Western Reserve 
Sunday school Union, and travelled through the 
eastern counties of the Reserve; assisted to form 
county and township societies; and addressed 
congregations in behalf of Sunday schools. A 
few extracts from his journal will suffice to give 
a view of him in this department of active labor. 

" Euclid, March 6, 1829. * # * I expect to 
leave here to-day, on my tour as a Sunday 
school agent. O that I might feel more my 
weakness, and have a stronger faith in the pro- 
mises of God! 5 ' 

" Painesville, March 10. * * * To-day 
I expect the society for this county [Geauga] 
will be formed. I shall probably be called on to 
address the meeting, which very much troubles 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



265 



me; and I am ready to say with Moses: 4 Send, 
I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt 
send,' O that God would be with my mouth, 
and teach me what to say; and, for his own 
glory, give my cause favor in the sight of this 
people!" 

" Austinburg, March 19. — Yesterday a Sun- 
day school society for this country [Ashtabula] 
was formed; and some few take an interest in it 
which promises well for the future. But still 
there is a great indifference on this momentous 
subject. £ feel myself that I do not enter into 
this cause with my whole soul as I ought. O 
that I might feel how important a bearing this 
institution has on the welfare of immortal souls, 
and the interests of the Redeemer's kingdom!" 

" Brookfield, Trumbull county, April 3. — 
Yesterday I addressed this people on tb'j subject 
of Sunday schools. Some were in tears at the 
recital of the blessed effects of Sunday schools in 
other places. A subscription of twenty dollars 
was obtained. One man, not a professor of re- 
ligion, gave fifteen dollars. Thus far the Lord 
has blessed my feeble labors for good. O that 
I might feel more my dependence on Him!" 

Through the whole of the two years which he 
spent in college, brother Barr was assiduously 
engaged i n this cause. In the autumn of 1828, 
he established two or three small schools in 
neighboring destitute settlements, and obtained 
for them teachers. Through most of the winter 
following, he was the superintendent of a school 
seven miles distant. The reader will see a spe- 



LIFE OP J. W. BARR. 



eimen of his labors in this cause, in the following 
extracts from his diary. 

" December 28, 1828. * * * Made some 
preparation for my Bible class; began to think 
.about the responsibility of my situation as a 
teacher of youth in the Sunday school and Bible 
class, and trust I felt some of my own weakness; 
took some notes of facts connected with Sunday 
schools, which I wished to mention before a con- 
gregation. Walked to my school, and tried to 
lift up my heart in ejaculatory prayer on the 
way, that God would assist me, and bless my 
scholars; felt a good deal encouraged to go for- 
ward in my school and Bible class. Afterward, 
walked six miles to a neighborhood where I had 
appointed to plead the cause of Sabbath schools. 
Found a full house, and fixed attention. A 
school pas appointed for next Sabbath, and a 
lesson given out." 

" February 2, 1829. — I have been from home 
two days past, to assist in forming a Sunday 
school in a destitute town. In company with 
Deacon K — , I visited most of the families in the 
neighborhood. Some of them w r ere sunk to the 
lowest degree of poverty and ignorance. One 
family, consisting of a man, his wife, and five 
-children, not one of whom can read, excited my 
compassion. But two or three individuals who 
make any pretensions to religion, and they are 
of a doubtful character; Sabbath violated; pro- 
fanity abounds; and intemperance, the scourge 
of our land, spreads its unhallowed desolations 
ground; without one redeeming quality. Yet 



LIFE OF J". W. BARS. 



267 



nearly all seemed favorably disposed to the Sun- 
day school." 

While speaking of his efforts in this depart- 
ment of active labor, I will proceed to give a 
view of him in a Sunday school, which he form- 
ed in the fall of 1829. It was in a very destitute 
settlement, about four miles from the college* 
This school he attended regularly and constantly, 
till the close of his collegiate course. Having 
been associated with him during the latter part 
of the time, I shall be pardoned for dwelling 
more minutely on his labors here. 

He went into the neighborhood and visited all 
the families, conversing with them on the subject 
of Sunday schools, and inviting the children to 
assemble on the Sabbath for instruction. Many 
families he found willing; some very anxious to 
have a school established; and about twenty chil- 
dren were engaged to attend. The school flour- 
ished remarkably; and not only the children, but 
the parents immediately felt its effects. Not 
long afterwards he made arrangements for hold- 
ing a religious meeting, for adults as well as 
children, in the same place. Partly through his 
influence, an occasional sermon was preached by 
some neighboring clergyman. When there was- 
not preaching, he read a sermon to the little at- 
tentive congregation, with most satisfactory and 
pleasing evidence that he did not labor in vain, 
It was his custom to visit his little flock at their 
houses frequently, to enlist their feelings in favor 
of the ordinances and institutions of religion, and 
distribute tracts among them, Never was a 



£88 him m t> w> Man* 

parish more warmly attached to its minister tharl 
were these scattered sheep and lambs to their 
beloved Mr. Barr. 

While he addressed them on their duties to 
God j told them what Christ had done for their 
salvation, and pressed upon them their obligations 
to love the Saviour, they would listen to his 
words with almost breathless attention. To the 
scholars of his school, his addresses were faith* 
ful and heart-searching* He labored to convince 
them of the deep natural depravity of their hearts* 
and of the need they had of pardon at the hand 
of Immanuel, He pointed them to the awful 
consequences of sin, and opened their eyes upon 
the torments of the nether world. He unfolded 
to their view the glories of heaven in all its holi* 
ness; and, with the most earnest entreaties, in* 
vited them to partake of the blessed inheritance 
of the children of God. With his eye fastened 
"upon them, and his finger pointed to the heavens* 
he would beseech them to renounce their sins* 
and fly to the Saviour — " the Lamb of God that 
taketh away the sin of the world." 

As the result of these pious labors, he had the' 
satisfaction of learning, though not till after he 
had gone to Andover, that two or three of the 
most interesting scholars in his school were in- 
dulging the hope that they were the children of 
God. They still give evidence that they are the 
chosen ones of the Lord Jesus Christ; and as- 
cribe their conversion to the blessing of God 
upon Barr's instrumentality. To this might be 
added those numerous and inestimable temporal 
benefits that always result from the moral and 



LIFE OF J. W. BAM* 



260 



religious instruction of children. But to returns 
In May, 1829, he engaged his growing influ* 
ence to form a Society of Inquiry in the col* 
lege. He had, before this time, frequently spoken 
of the thing to some of his brethren;, but circum- 
stances had not seemed to favor the design. He 
now found that the scheme was practicable; and 
he called a meeting of those students who were 
favorable to it, to adopt measures for its organi- 
zation. It was organized, under a constitution 
which he had brought with him from* Hamilton 
college, with some slight alterations. The de- 
sign of the society was " to collect facts with re- 
spect to the state of the church and the world." 
Here was exhibited that peculiar spirit of mis- 
sionary enterprise which characterized his whole 
religious history. 

The members of the society were, at first, few 
in number; consequently its correspondence was 
quite limited. In the little which it did accom> 
plish, however, Barr w 7 as its most efficient agent, 
while he remained in college* In a correspond- 
ence carried on with the "Missionary Dorcas 
Society, Mackinaw," which the society first 
opened at his suggestion, he was exceedingly in- 
terested. In all our meetings his soul was warm 
with fceal, and his exhortations to the Christian 
brethren united with him, were like the burstings 
of a heart full of devoted confidence in God, and 
tirdent love for the souls of men. He was to 
that society, emphatically, what Samuel J. Mills 
was to his associates in Andover. With the 
broad surface of the world spread out like a 
chart before him, he was distressed at the profane 
23 



*4?0 



LIFE OF J. Wi BAR&i 



wickedness, and the dark desolations that covered 
it; and, at the same time, was full of joy in the 
recollection that " the Lord reigns." I regret 
that his addresses delivered before that society 
cannot now be found. They were full of touch- 
ing interest. 

It would naturally be expected, that a spirit 
like Barr's would find high interest in the 
monthly concert. " His heart was with Jerusa- 
lem;" and no season was more delightful to him 
than that holy one, when the voice of the Chris- 
tian world was poured, in united, fervent suppli- 
cations, for the perishing millions of our world, 
into the ear of Jehovah. The following extracts 
from his journal may be sufficient on this point: 

" January 5, 1829. — Attended the monthly 
concert for prayer this evening. There is some- 
thing calculated to awaken the feelings of the 
soul, in meeting the thousands in Christendom 
around the mercy -seat; . having in view the one 
great object: the redemption of our world from 
sin. But when shall that blest day arrive? — or 
when shall the church unitedly put forth an ef- 
fort, corresponding to the greatness of the object 
to be obtained? Oh! when shall the constraining 
love of Jesus impel Christians of the present age, 
to the self-denial, energy, and perseverance of a 
Paul, in spreading the gospel? Lord, may the 
constraining love of Jesus so pervade my heart, 
as that I shall not count my life dear unto me, 
but be willing to spend it in thy service, where 
and how thou seest best." 

" February 2, 1829. * * * This even- 
ing I attended the monthly concert for prayer. 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



271 



Only twelve, out of quite a large church and 
congregation, were present. For my own part, 
I know not how they can stay away." 

At his own earnest request, together with the 
united wish of his brethren in the Scciety of In- 
quiry, the monthly concert was held, during the 
latter part of his residence with us, in the college 
chapel. 

During the winter of 1829-30, the college was 
blessed with a precious out-pouring of the Spirit 
of God. Professing Christians were much 
quickened, and sinners, in considerable numbers, 
were anxious to know what they should do to be 
saved. A few were brought, as we have reason 
to believe, into the fold of Christ. Through the 
whole of this interesting season, Barr was most 
active in the service of his Master. He encour- 
aged his brethren, and strove to remove from 
them every thing that should hinder the progress 
of the chariot of salvation. He exhorted sinners, 
visiting them in their rooms; and pressed upon 
them, in the plainest and most faithful manner, 
the duty of immediate repentance, and submission 
to the Lord Jesus Christ. Constantly aware of 
the need in which sinners stood of the agency of 
the Holy Spirit, he was earnest in prayer for 
them, and endeavored to enlist the feelings of his 
Christian brethren to pour out continual and fer- 
vent supplications in their behalf. He would 
frequently assemble together a handful of Chris- 
tians, in some private room; and, mentioning to 
them the case of some impenitent sinner, would 
desire them to pray for him while he should go 



272 



LIFE OF J. W. B A.RR. 



and converse with him alone. This he did fre- 
quently, and often with the happiest success. 
He seldom failed of finding access to the hearts 
and consciences of those with whom he con- 
versed. Indeed, the students were all pleased 
with his visits, and I do not know that he ever 
met with a really unwelcome reception. This 
not because of any desire on their part to have 
their consciences awakened, but because his 
manners had always been such as to insure to 
himself the confidence and respect of all classes. 

One of those in whose case he took very deep 
interest, recently told me what were his feelings 
when conversing with him on the subject of reli- 
gion. Barr would press upon him the necessity 
of an immediate attention to the concerns of his 
soul, and he, in return, would curse him for his 
importunity, telling him to mind his own business, 
and let others alone. "Yet," says he, "I al- 
ways wished that he would continue his calls and 
warnings." He did so; and from that time, this 
young friend has given his most serious attention 
to the subject of religion, and is now a member 
of the Church of Christ in the college. How 
much he is indebted to Mr. Barr's influence will 
appear in another world. 

Another, who had for years been sceptical, 
was at the same time under serious concern, and 
subject to great distress in view of his condition 
as a sinner. He repaired to Barr's room, in- 
quiring with great solicitude the way to the 
Saviour of sinners. They spent a considerable 
part of the night together, in prayer and conver- 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



273 



sation. Since that time he, too, has indulged 
the Christian's hope, and is now a student in 
theology. 

In this excitement, Barr's character as a 
Christian was most clearly exhibited. Be proved 
that he felt no confidence in himself, nor in any 
human agency. His eye was constantly fixed 
on the great Head of the Church, and his confi- 
dence was altogether reposed in God. This 
state of mind led him to watch against many of 
the imprudent measures often adopted in times of 
religious excitement, and, at the same time, stimu- 
lated him to activity in the use of all those means 
that are sanctioned by the word of God. Like 
all other eminent Christians, he placed a high 
value upon prayer. And though public meet- 
ings were not very unusually frequent, he exerted 
much influence in favor of private praying cir- 
cles, which were held almost every morning and 
evening, in different parts of the college. I re- 
collect going with him one day to the mechanics' 
shop, for exercise. The weather was intensely 
cold, and there was no fire in the building. No 
other students assembled for their accustomed 
manual labor. After we had spent a few min- 
utes at the work bench, Barr said: " It is too 
cold to handle tools comfortably; let us spend a 
season in prayer." Any other than a warm- 
hearted Christian would have thought it too cold 
also to pray. 

One thing was worthy of notice in his conver- 
sation with the anxious. They were very fre- 
quently calling upon him with some knotty 
question in theologv, which they desired him to 
23 * 



274 LIFE OP J. W. BARS. 



explain. He would invariably strive to lead 
them away from these hiding-places; not, in- 
deed, by denying or covering up what he re- 
garded as truth, but by shewing them that they 
had duties to perform, and that for their conduct 
God would hold them, as free agents, responsi- 
ble at his tribunal. He pointed them to their 
own guilt, and repeated in their ears: " Except 
ye repent ye shall all likewise perish." He 
directed them to the Saviour, and urged it upon 
them, as the first duty, to abandon the world, 
and make Christ their Leader and their God. 
Till this was done, nothing was done; and spec- 
ulation on difficult questions was all vain, worse 
than vain, till the first lesson was studied, 

I have already remarked, that Barr was dis- 
tinguished as a student. In all the different 
branches to which his attention was called, while 
a member of college, he strove to become a tho- 
rough scholar. On this topic I will only add the 
testimony of a class-mate: 

" As a student, he was laborious and faithful, 
and consequently successful. He was laborious 
and faithful because he acted from principle. 
He had consecrated himself to the service of 
God. He earnestly longed to preach Christ. 
To do this skilfully, he knew he must secure the 
benefits a college and theological seminary 
afforded. Therefore, with an ear hearkening to 
the commands of God, and listening to the cries 
of a sinking world, he took his book; not to doze 
but to examine its contents; to think and reason, 
and make himself master of his author. Here 
is the secret of his never having been absent 



IIFE OF J. W. BAKR. 



275 



from recitations; the reason why the numerous 
little calls, of which no student ever had more, 
never crowded out a lesson; the reason why suc- 
cess crowned his efforts. 

" His instructors did not hear him say: 4 This 
was a difficult problem, I could not solve it; this 
was an intricate sentence, I could not unravel 
it' In a word, if any obligation lay on him as 
a student, it was remarkable if he did not meet 
and sustain that obligation." 

The character of his mind was, in some re= 
spects, peculiar. It was no less remarkable for 
its strength, than was his corporeal frame; while, 
at the same time, the tenderness of his soul was 
uncommon. He could feel as well as reason; 
could intreat as well as convince. As a writer, 
however, he partook more of the characteristics 
of a Paul, than of the pathetic Revelator of Pat- 
mos. 

He graduated in August, 1830; a member of 
the first class ever sent out from the Western 
Reserve college. On the Sabbath preceding 
commencement, he visited his Sunday school. 
I think I shall never forget the interesting scene 
presented, when he took his final leave of those 
beloved scholars. He told them, he was about 
to leave them; exhorted them, with the greatest 
tenderness of affection, to become the friends of 
God; to love the Lord Jesus Christ; said that he 
should probably see them no more in this world, 
but hoped to meet them in heaven. He fervently 
commended them to God, and then went roun 
the room to bid them individually farewell. Th 
gobs of the children told how much they love 



276 



LIFE OF J. W. BARK. 



him. The whole assembly was in tears. He 
maintained a perfect control over his own feel- 
ings, till just as he was leaving the room, when 
a little boy came up, took him by the hand, and, 
looking up in his face, asked touchingly: " Shall 
I see you no more?" Barr could not answer. 
His heart had been full, and he now gave it vent 
in audible weeping. He pressed the dear scho- 
lar's hand, and with a half-uttered — " J don't 
know, Henry" — passed away. 

I will only add a few extracts from his writ- 
ings, in which the reader may see an exhibition 
of his soul more clear and distinct than can be 
given in any verbal description. In his diary, 
he writes as follows: 

"January 4, 1829. — Sabbath evening. How 
many are deluding themselves with a vain hope 
that they will one day be religious! Visited the 
sick bed of a woman whom the doctors had given 
over. Her husband seemed considerably affected 
with his situation. On inquiring of him, whether 
he had the consolation and support of the gospel 
in this hour of affliction. He replied that he had 
a hope. I inquired if he felt resigned to God's 
dealings with him, and could rejoice that he and 
all his were in the hands of God. He replied in 
the affirmative. I asked if he thought he had 
experienced a change of heart, and had ' a good 
hope through grace' of eternal life. He said no; 
but added, that he hoped he should experience a 
change. I asked if he was in the use of means 
God had appointed for the salvation of sinners. 
He said he had greatly neglected them, but hoped 
.hat now he should attend to them. I warned 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



27? 



him of the deceitfulness of the heart, and urged 
him to immediate repentance. 

" Have been reading several letters of Home 
on Missions; am much pleased with his spirit." 

" January 17. * * * I find in myself a 
considerable disposition to censure. I felt, to- 
day, that I must be on my guard against this 
vice, as well as every other. 

" I have an easily besetting sin, of which per- 
haps no one suspects me, and which I fear is 
gaining on me. I have resolved and re-resolved, 
that I would not yield to it; and yet I almost 
daily fali into it. I have felt for a long time that 
it was separating between me and my God. It 
may be like the cutting off of a right hand or the 
plucking out of a right eye: still I must overcome 
it. And I am well convinced that nothing but 
the Spirit of God can ever subdue it, so deeply 
is it rooted in my nature. O Lord, sanctify me 
through thy truth!" 

" January 23. — My heart seems to be hard as 
adamant. No relentings for even glaring sins. 
I have tried to pray, but the heavens over my 
head seem brass. I have read this morning the 
first chapter of Isaiah, and the 51st Psalm, hop- 
ing that the gracious invitations in the former, 
to the most guilty and vile, and the ingenuous 
confessions, humble penitence, and earnest cry 
for mercy in the latter, might affect my stubborn, 
unrelenting soul." 

" 26th; Monday morning. — Yesterday was a 
barren Sabbath to my heart. Found scarcely 
any delight in its holy ordinances and privileges. 
Duties were performed because they were duties^ 
and not from delight in them. 



27B 



LIFE OF J. W. BAER. 



" This morning, in view of the past, my heart 
seems to relent, and I have some faint desires to 
he conformed to the law of God. I desire, and 
design, to be more watchful over my heart and 
life this week; and may God, of his infinite 
mercy in Christ Jesus, enable me thus to do. 

" Evening.— I have cause for gratitude this 
evening, that I have had less distraction of mind 
and wandering of thought to-day, than for a week 
past. Read a few pages in Cecil's remains, 
where I found the following striking passage: 
' Acting from the occasion, without reflection or 
inquiry, is the death of personal religion. 1 I 
have also read between seventy and eighty pages 
of Mr. Stewart's Journal. Interesting; and the 
account of Keopuolani very much so indeed. In 
the great day of judgment, she will rise up and 
condemn thousands and hundreds of thousands 
in Christian lands, who have enjoyed the blessed 
gospel but rejected its holy precepts. 

" February 8. * # # Yesterday enjoyed 
more nearness to God in prayer than is usual for 
me of late. While coming home from my Sun- 
day school, I was overtaken by a severe storm. 
The rain, hail, and wind, were violent. In the 
midst of it I thought of the text, " He shall be a 
covert from the windy storm and tempest." How 
forlorn, indeed, must be the condition of that 
soul who has not Jesus for a refuge, when the 
storm of divine vengeance shall beat on his guil- 
ty head. 

" This evening was the Sunday school con- 
cert. Few attended: still it has been somewhat 
interest in 2." 



LIFE OF J. W. BARK* 



'21 d 



" 15th. Sabbath. * * After services I read 
some of Brainerd's life. It makes me ashamed 
of myself, every time I look into this holy man's 
history. I met with what seems to me a remark* 
able sentence. He says — 4 he had so little sense 
of God, or apprehension and relish of his glory 
and excellency, that it made him more disposed 
to kindness and tenderness, towards those who 
are blind and ignorant of God.' * # Was very 
much distracted in my devotions this morning.. 
Worldly, and even vain thoughts seemed upper- 
most. My easily besetting sin prevailed over me." 

19th. Enjoyed a precious season in prayer 
and reading the scriptures this evening. A 
sense of my past coldness and stupidity seemed 
to melt my heart into penitence; and I was ena- 
bled to plead earnestly for the blood of Jesus, to 
be applied to cleanse me from sin. Felt my ina- 
bility to do any thing as I ought without the 
grace of God to assist me. 

" I was enabled to intercede with God in be- 
half of my dear impenitent friends; especially 
brother G., from whom I have not heard any 
thing for nearly a year. I felt as if I could be 
•perfectly resigned to hear even of his death, if I 
could Tmve any good reason to believe he was a 
penitent believer in Jesus." 

"20th. I have been in a very calm and se- 
rene frame of mind, since last evening. My 
thoughts, more than usually occupied about holy 
things. I have been enabled to attend to my stu- 
dies better than when I could feel no desire after 
divine things. How much I lose, in every point 
of view, when I wander from God. 5 3 



280 



LIFE OF J. W. BARS. 



"June 1, 1829. * * * While returning 
last evening from conference, our conversation 
on the deceitfulness and wickedness of the 
heart. I do not know when I have had such deep 
impressions on that point. I seemed to see, and 
feel in some measure, that my heart was a mass 
of moral corruption, which nothing could ever 
purify except the sovereign grace of God. To* 
day I enjoyed more of the presence of God in 
my devotional exercises than of late. 

" O for a closer walk with Godi" 



The following extracts from an 6ratiori delivered at 
the commencement in 1830, when he took his degree. 
Will close this part of the Narrative. The design of 
this oration was to show the influence of religion on the 
human intellect. 

There were m this part of the history, extracts from 
two orations of Mr, Barr; the one delivered at the close 
of his junior year, and the other at the commencement 
above noticed. From the work having swelled above 
the contemplated size, the first has been entirely omit- 
ted, and only two short extracts taken from the other. 

" It is a grand law of our nature, that our 
minds become assimilated to the objects of their 
contemplation. If these are of a low and deba* 
sing character, our feelings and conceptions will 
be so likewise. But if the objects which employ 
bur minds are of a high and ennobling nature, 
they will give us elevated views, and inspire lofty 
conceptions. The grand reason why one man 
has more intellectual strength than another, is/ 



LIFE OF J* W. BARK* 



281 



that his mind has been employed about more 
elevated objects, or the more extended relations 
of the same objects. The man who should spend 
his life in contemplating children's toys, would 
remain a child, or become an idiot; while the 
astronomer, who lived among suns and sys- 
tems, would become a giant in intellect. The 
eye of the peasant roams over the same objects 
in creation with that of the philosopher. But 
how different their views and feelings! The one 
has a bare perception of these objects; the other 
traces out all their different relations. The one 
gazes on the moon and stars, and thinks them 
lamps, hung out of heaven to light the darkness 
of the night; the other views them as vast 
worlds, peopled with various orders of intelli- 
gence, and rolling with an inconceivable velocity 
through the expanse of heaven. 

" Now it is the application of religion to this 
principle of assimilation, that I wish you to no- 
tice. Religion lifts the mind above little and de- 
basing objects and pursuits, and directs our con- 
templation to those objects which ennoble and 
expand our views* 

4 It leads through nature up to nature's God,* 

and discloses the interesting and extended rela- 
tions which exist between the Creator and his 
works; especially those relations which subsist 
between Him, as the moral Governor of the 
universe, and his intelligent creation. It asso- 
ciates us with the higher orders of being, and 
fixes our thoughts on that uncreated and eter» 
24 



232 



LIFE OF J. W. BASR. 



nal xind, which originated, sustains, and gov- 
erns all worlds. And of all the objects which 
ever occupied the mind of a created intelligence, 
the character of God is best adapted to enlarge 
our intellectual powers. You have ail seen or 
felt the salutary effects of that influence which 
men of superior intellect and high moral worth, 
diffuse around them. It purifies and elevates all 
that comes within its reach. What, then, must 
be the effect of that pure and holy influence 
which emanates from the Source of all mental 
and moral excellence?" 

£; In short, wherever you see a mind under the 
controlling influence of religion, that mind em- 
ploys its energies in such a manner as to unfold 
its own intellectual power, and to secure the 
highest good of others. What, then, must be 
the happy result, when it shall exert its pure, 
unrestrained influence on every mind? Such a 
period, I trust, is fast approaching; a period 
when this mighty mass of now slumbering intel- 
lect shall be awakened by the touch of piety, 
and carried upward in rapid and holy approxi- 
mation tO the FIRST INFINITE AND ETERNAL IN- 
TELLECT. The mental powers will then exhibit 
their highest and purest energies. Depths of 
science which no philosopher has ever yet fath- 
omed will then be explored. Strains of eloquence 
and poetry, excelled only in heaven, will then 
greet our ears. The productions of lofty and 
sanctified genius, of pure and discriminating 
taste, will crowd from our shelves the useless 
and insipid volumes of pagan and infidel literature. 



LIFE OF J. W. BAKU. 



285 



" A change, too, will be wrought in the pur- 
suits of men. Their regenerated powers will 
not be wasted in catching butterflies and raising 
bubbles; nor what is still worse, in pursuits 
which, either directly or indirectly, swell the 
streams of human wo. The physical and men- 
tal power expended in war, and schemes of fraud 
and injustice, will then be employed in diffusing 
useful knowledge, and circulating holy truth. 
Yes; the redeemed energies of man will be de- 
voted to the best interests of his fellow man, and 
the earth re-assume its primitive beauty, gran- 
deur, and glory. " 



(Note B.) 

We here extract from a little volume entitled, 
" Thoughts on the Propagation of Christianity 
more effectually among the Heathen," by the 
Serampore Missionaries. Serampore, printed at 
the Mission Press. Edinburg; reprinted, 1827." 
This excellent tract, which treats of the spirit 
and disposition in which efforts for the conver- 
sion of the heathen ought to be conducted; and 
the missionary efforts of primitive times, as well 
as the means of increasing missionary exertions, 
we hope to see reprinted entire. In the mean 
time, the editor can do nothing more than give a 
few passing extracts, and these only in reference 
to the single topic noticed: 

" We have now submitted to the friends of 
religion, our ideas respecting the means of pro^ 



284 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR. 



moting the missionary cause, and of increasing 
missionary efforts, particularly in India. While 
we so earnestly urge the necessity of rendering 
these efforts such as the God of holiness can ap- 
prove and bless, consistently with the grand de- 
sign of his gospel, we are still aware that he is 
sovereign in all his ways, — that he gives success 
in exact accordance with his own holy will, — 
and that it may be his will that his people wait 
long for him, to teach them effectually their own 
nothingness and his all-sufficiency. Still it is 
only by walking in that path wherein he delights, 
that we can wait for him with any rational hope 
of success. And if his people be 8 with Him? 
by a holy walk and a humble dependence on his 
grace, his general conduct forbids our thinking 
that it will be very long before he will be 6 with 
them? in abundant mercy and blessing, even 
among the heathen, seeing he hath declared, 
4 They shall not be ashamed that wait for me.' 

" In speaking of increased missionary exer- 
tion, we have dwelt chiefly on individual effort, 
not only because this must form the basis of all 
general exertion, but because that large increase 
of erfort which the missionary cause requires 
would render it impossible that ail these efforts 
should be directed, to the highest advantage, by 
one body in an)^ extensive denomination. To 
those who carefully weigh the subject, it will be 
evident, that there must be limits beyond which 
a missionary body can scarcely go, without al- 
most wholly losing its nature, and managing its 
concerns in quite a secular manner; — and when 
this is the case, the genuine missionary spirit 



LIFE OF J. W. BARK. 280 

evaporates, and with it the hope of any extensive 
success. Missionary bodies have, in general, 
originated in the humble and benevolent zeal of 
a few individuals, whom love to the Redeemer 
and the souls of men has united in bonds of sa- 
cred friendship. The consequence has been, 
that as their objects have been superior to those 
of secular bodies, they have conducted affairs 
altogether on superior principles. In secular 
bodies, united for mutual advantage, the proper 
object of each is, a due return of profit for his 
labor; and if this be at any time relinquished for 
the sake of reputation and honor, it is because 
reputation is more highly valued than the profit 
usually obtained. But the object of a missionary 
body is not gain; it is the good of others. The 
whole, in every department, must be a disinter- 
ested sacrifice of money or time, for the sake of 
the Redeemer and the souls of men. Nor must 
it be honor and reputation, instead of gain; for 
if it be, the missionary spirit is lost. A mission- 
ary body, conducted with a view to the honcr 
and reputation of its leading members, can never 
hope for extensive success; for the God of mis- 
sions ' will not give his glory to another.' Every 
step taken in conducting them, from the highest 
step to the lowest, therefore, must be voluntary, 
must be disinterested. 

" It will be evident, however, that when such 
missionary bodies become very large, the volun- 
tary sacrifice of time in managing their concerns, 
is such as few individuals are capable of making. 
Hence the amazing difficulty which would arise 
from every missionary effort in a denomination 
24* 



LIFE OF j. \V» BARE. 



being referred to one source of direction, were 
those efforts increased to the extent required by 
the wants of the heathen. The cumbrous na- 
ture of its operations, the little attention it could 
give to each individual, the danger of partiality, 
of unintentional neglect, which no wisdom can 
wholly separate from very large bodies, — would 
render the continuance of this state of things 
quite impossible. We might add, the danger 
which might arise from a spirit of self-sufficiency 
and vanity, which, while common to all men, 
would be more incident to so vast a body from 
its very nature; — but on this we have no wish 
to enlarge. Our object is not to dwell on, but, 
if possible, to remove, those things which injure 
spirituality of mind. 

As already hinted, in one particular, mis- 
sionary bodies differ greatly from Bible and reli- 
gious tract societies. While the latter prepare 
and send forth copies of the Scriptures and of 
Scripture tracts, the former send forth Christian 
brethren. These are, of course, subject to like 
feelings with themselves,— like them exposed to 
temptation, infirmity, and sin. Their minds are 
capable of being drawn off from their work, or 
of sinking into such a state of depression as mav 
end all hope of success, if not their lives. Yet 
on their activity and spirituality of mind are sus- 
pended all the fruit of the exertions made by the 
whole missionary body. The importance, there- 
fore, of constant, affectionate, and holy inter- 
course with them, must be sufficiently obvious. 
As the difficulty of this, however, must increase 
with the largeness of a missionarj* body, were 



LIFE OF J. \V. BARR. 



287 



any one of those in Bri tain to increase in a tenfold 
degree, to say nothing of other things, how could 
they give that attention to every one of their 
missionaries which seems so essential to success? 

" The hope, therefore, of an extensive increase 
of efficient missionary efforts, seems suspended 
on the degree in which they may be encouraged 
in individuals and small circles. In the begin- 
ning, large missionary bodies were necessary to 
draw the attention of the public to the object. 
As supporting that attention, they are still, in a 
high degree, valuable. But now the missionary 
spirit is so fully diffused abroad, efforts more 
simple, less exposed to temptation, more friendly 
to spiritual-mindedness, and more generally dif- 
fused throughout the Christian church, seem ne- 
cessary in order to carry forward the work to 
completion." 

" It has been often urged, that the meetings of 
vast missionary bodies impart a degree of vigor 
to the whole, which compensates for all their 
disadvantages. But these social missionary cir- 
cles would possess their advantages without their 
injurious effects. It is not necessary that the 
ministers of a whole kingdom should meet in one 
town, in order to enjoy the sweetness of Chris- 
tian fellowship. To draw the eyes of a whole 
kingdom on all that ought to be said or done, in 
deep humility of mind, can scarcely be friendly 
to holiness. The length and expense of the 
journeys, the interruption of incumbent duties at 
home, added to the effect on the mind of this 
public exposure, for perhaps months afterwards, 
mast be deeply felt by many: ArM to this, the 



298 



LIFE OF J. W. BARK. 



gratulatory addresses to each other, while there 
may be cause for the deepest mourning before 
God, on account of the want of success, with the 
feelings these may possibly excite; and it will be 
seen, that the advantages are often dearly pur- 
chased by the evil effects produced on the spirit 
of the mind." 

" But it requires little foresight to discern, that 
if missionary efforts should increase in the de- 
gree in which it is requisite, it will be altogether 
impossible that they should be restrained to one 
medium of direction, in each denomination. 
Those most thoroughly acquainted with India, 
are convinced that the missionary efforts now 
made there ought to be increased in a tenfold 
degree; and that this might be done by every 
denomination with the greatest advantage to the 
general missionary cause. But when the appa- 
ratus is already so cumbrous, through the vast 
size of the body, and when that body is so much 
in danger, from its size, of degenerating into a 
secular temper and spirit, what would be the 
effect were its revenues and its concerns in- 
creased in a tenfold degree? Would it not be- 
come so unwieldy as ultimately to fall with its 
own weight? Must it not ultimately divide itself 
into a number of bodies, to preserve this great 
cause from halting in its progress, if not from 
decay? 

" But there is another consideration, if possi- 
ble, far more serious, which is, that missionary 
efforts in Britain will never increase in a tenfold 
degree, while every effort must thus pass through 
only one medium in each denomination. This 



LIFE OF J. W. BARR, 



289 



seems forbidden, by the very nature of things. 
Would all the efforts which distinguished aposto- 
lic times have been made, had it been first neces- 
sary to go up to Jerusalem, to obtain the sanction 
and direction even of the apostles? Would the 
almost innumerable missionary efforts, which so 
effectually spread the gospel afterwards, ever 
have been made, had it been necessary that 
every one of them should have been previously 
placed under the direction of one body? It would 
have been impossible." 

" Further, if the hope of success under the 
Divine aid, be so much suspended on the holy 
temper and disposition of those through whom 
the fruits of zeal and love are applied to the hea- 
then; and if they have hindrances to a steady 
spiritual course, which were unknown to Chris- 
tians in primitive times, a holy intercourse with 
them on the part of brethren at home, seems 
highly necessary, in order to preserve in their 
minds the spirit of holiness in full vigor. The 
raising of money is comparatively a small thing. 
In many cases a missionary might perhaps sup- 
port himself; but to every missionary, the love, 
the confidence of his brethren at home, are far 
more valuable than the money they send him. 
Nothing, besides, can maintain that unity of 
heart which will enable him to communicate to 
them his hopes, his fears, his joys, and sorrows; 
and to derive from them in return, that 6 comfort 
of love, that fellowship of the spirit,' which, next 
to the Divine aid, will prove his greatest support 
and encouragement in his arduous work. If to 
maintain this holy intercourse be difficult to a 



290 



LIFE OF J. W. BAKJf . 



large body, who have a great number of mis- 
sionaries, it is by no means the less necessary* 
The loss of nearly all missionary fruit may be 
the price paid for the neglect of this important 
duty. 

" It should not be forgotten, however, that if 
this mutual intercourse between brethren en- 
gaged in missions, be not decidedly of a holy 
nature, it will be injurious to holiness. Such, 
indeed, is its influence, that, should it not tend to 
advance him in the divine life, painful as it 
would be, it would be better for him could he 
bear his burdens alone, and maintain intercourse 
only with his Bible and his Redeemer at a throne 
of grace. 

" Seeing then that success can be expected from 
God alone, that it can be expected only in the 
path of holiness, and that such hindrances beset 
this narrow path on the right and on the left, it 
is important that these things should be carefully 
weighed by all connected with missions. To 
impute blame to any one would be exceedingly 
wrong. Those imperfections which have been 
mentioned relative' to missions, are found, in a 
far greater degree, in the common course of 
worldly affairs; and to suppose that no remains 
of a carnal spirit should ever appear in the con- 
duct of imperfect men, is unreasonable. Yet 
while they furnish no just occasion of triumph to 
ihe enemies of religion, or of discouragement to 
its friends, the word of Christ calls upon us to 
cleanse ourselves from all sin, and to perfect 
holiness in the fear of the Lord. When the 
enemies of the Redeemer are exulting in th* 



LIFE OF J» W. BAKE, 



29i 



vain hope that his kingdom will never come in 
India, it becomes those who love him to inquire, 
why its coming is so long delayed, and why so 
small a degree of success has hitherto been 
grantsd to the most strenuous efforts and the 
most earnest supplications. This may be owing 
to the sovereign will of the God of missions, who 
* will hasten the work in its time? but it cannot 
be unwise to inquire in what way he authorizes 
us to expect the blessing. And should this be 
found to be the cultivation of a degree of holiness 
superior to any thing we have yet attained, the 
prize is glorious; let us urge upon ourselves the 
necessity .of this course, by every motive that 
-can influence us as men, and as Christians. If 
this be the sure way to please him in conducting 
missions, what have we to do but to realize it 
without delay? Can we hear the cries of the 
heathen world, the bitter taunts of those who are 
enemies to the cross of Christ, and behold the 
liberality and zeal with which the friends of the 
Redeemer seek to forward this glorious work, 
without determining to lay aside every weight, 
and laboring to perfect holiness in the fear of the 
Lord? Has he not declared, Ezek. 36: 37, that 
i for all he has promised of this nature, he will be 
inquired of by the house of Israel to 60 it for 
them?' And in our doing this, who can say how 
soon God may be pleased to pour out such a 
blessing on the attempts made to spread his gos- 
pel in India, that there shall be scarcely room to 
receive it!" 



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